Cards Outlast Dodgers into 15

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 in 15 innings, their fourth consecutive loss. The Dodgers were nursing a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth, but with two outs Jonathan Broxton gave up a game-tying single. The Dodgers took the lead again in the 11th, and again the Cardinals came back to tie it. Jeff Weaver could not hold on, giving up a triple, walk, fielder's choice and single in the 15th to give the Cards the victory. Clayton Kershaw was outstanding, pitching eight shutout innings. Casey Blake scored both Dodger runs, and Matt Kemp and James Loney split the two RBI's. Loney finished with four hits, and Blake had three, including a triple. Albert Pujols had three hits, including the game-winning single, and Ryan Ludwick scored and drove in a run. Mark DeRosa scored the winning run.

Scott Elbert was scratched from his start in Triple-A Albuquerque. While it is possible that Elbert could be part of a trade, Ned Colletti told LA Times's Dylan Hernandez that there is no trade. Elbert could be called up to replace Brent Leach, who has been struggling of late.

Dodgers Can't Make Up Ground Against Marlins

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Florida Marlins 8-6, dropping the series two games to one. Florida roughed up Jason Schmidt for five runs, then tagged Jeff Weaver for three more runs to take an 8-0 lead. However, the Dodgers tried to come back, scoring four in the sixth and two in the ninth, and had the tying run at the plate in Matt Kemp, but he popped out to end the game. Andre Ethier had two hits, two runs scored and an RBI, and James Loney drove in three runs. Russell Martin had a two-run home run, and Rafael Furcal tripled and scored a run. Hanley Ramirez had two hits and three RBI's for the Fish, and Jorge Cantu doubled twice. John Baker scored two runs and reached base three times.

Blake DeWitt was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque in order to make room for the return of Hong-Chih Kuo. Since Kuo is on the 60-day disabled list, the Dodgers must make a corresponding move to clear space on the 40-man roster.

Weaver's Struggles Set Dodgers Back

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3, evening the series at a game apiece. Jeff Weaver struggled, giving up four runs (two earned) over three-and-a-third innings, and it was a deficit the Dodgers could not escape. Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier had back-to-back homers, with Furcal hitting a two-run shot, and Matt Kemp scored a run. Prince Fielder had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Brewers, and J.J. Hardy drove in two runs.

Jonathan Broxton will not pitch tomorrow or participate in the All Star Game this Tuesday due to a nerve issue in his right-big toe. The toe was a problem for him before in mid-June, and just recently started to affect his pushoff, explaining his recent performances.

Blake DeWitt was demoted to Triple-A for the third time this season. Scott Elbert was called up to replace him. Elbert had two-and-two-thirds shutout innings in the game.

Dodgers Salvage Game in Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-6 in 13 innings, taking the series 2-1. The Dodgers seemed to be in complete control entering the bottom of the ninth, as Chad Billingsley was cruising to what looked like a complete-game and his 10th win of the season. However, a homer and a double later, he was pulled and Jonathan Broxton was put in with a still comfortable four-run lead. Things took a turn for the worst in Broxton's worst outing of the season though, as he gave up a walk, single, walk, walk, and single to tie the game at six runs apiece. In the 13th inning, James Loney broke the game open with a solo-homer, and Jeff Weaver spun three innings of no-hit ball to get his fourth win. Casey Blake hit a three-run home run, and Andre Ethier had a solo-shot. Billingsley doubled and hit his first career homer. Juan Pierre had four hits, and Rafael Furcal scored twice. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Chase Headley both had solo-homers for the Padres, and Everth Cabrera had the game-tying, two-run single.

Eric Milton was placed on the 15-day disabled list, again because a troubling back. Jeff Weaver, James McDonald, and Claudio Vargas are all capable of filling his spot in the rotation. Blake DeWitt was called up to replace him on the roster.

Dodgers Can't Survive Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago White Sox 6-5 in 13 innings, dropping the series 2-1. The Dodgers had an early 4-0 lead, but Chad Billingsley fell apart in the fifth and sixth innings, giving up five runs over that span. The Dodgers came back to tie it in the seventh, but the offense shutdown after that, not getting a hit for the rest of the game. The bullpen, specifically Jeff Weaver, held Chicago back well, but he faced a jam after the ChiSox loaded the bases with nobody out in the 13th. After getting two shallow flyouts, Weaver had Scott Podsednik on a 2-2 count. However, Podsednik lined his next pitch into centerfield for a base-hit, and won the game. Neither team hit well with runners in scoring position, going a combined 6-for-28. Orlando Hudson had three hits, two RBI's and a run scored, and Mark Loretta doubled twice and drove in two runs. Juan Pierre and Russell Martin both had a hit and run scored, and Casey Blake collected a run and an RBI. Paul Konerko had a solo-homer for the Sox, and Jermaine Dye had two hits and scored a run. A.J. Pierzynski's three-run homer gave Chicago their first lead of the game, and turned out to be a huge difference.

Manny Ramirez did not start for Triple-A Albuquerque today as planned; a rain-delay forced the team to keep him out to avoid any risk of injury.

Dodger Weaver Beats Angel Weaver in Historic Matchup

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6-4, their sixth win in eight games. The Angels had an early 2-0 lead, but the Dodgers came back after Russell Martin homered for the first time this season. Jeff Weaver faced his younger brother Jered for the first time ever, and the matchup was the first time brothers opposed each other since 2002. The elder Weaver held Anaheim to just two runs over five innings, while LA touched the younger Weaver for all six runs. Orlando Hudson and Casey Blake both had an RBI and a run scored, and Andre Ethier tripled and drove in two runs. Matt Kemp had two hits and scored once, and Martin had two additional hits. Kendry Morales hit a home run for the Angels, and Gary Matthews, Jr. knocked out a two-run bomb in the ninth off Jonathan Broxton, the first homer he has given up all year.

Manny Ramirez agreed to a minor-league rehab stint before his suspension ends. Manny is allowed to play for the Dodgers' farm teams before his return, but the Dodgers can only have him play with the clubs with his consent. Ramirez will most likely play with Triple-A Albuquerque for three games, then go to Single-A Inland Empire for another three-game set.

Cubs Shell Dodgers in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago Cubs 7-0, their first shutout loss of the season. The Dodgers could manage only five hits and two walks through the entire game. The Cubs enjoyed what could be Eric Stults's last start with the club before being sent down to the minors, scoring four runs off of him in three-plus innings of work. Jeff Weaver was unable to keep LA in the game, giving up three runs in 2.1 innings. Reed Johnson had three hits, including a homer, two runs scored and two RBI, and Milton Bradley collected three hits. Mike Fontenot had a double and a triple and drove in two runs. Matt Kemp had two hits, and Andre Ethier and Russell Martin doubled but to no avail.

Dodgers Break Out Brooms for Mets

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 2-1, sweeping the three-game series. Jeff Weaver allowed only one run in five innings in his spot-start, and Brent Leach received the first win of his career. Juan Pierre had two hits and scored a run, and Orlando Hudson spent no time on the bench after hurting his shoulder yesterday; he doubled and scored. Russell Martin had the game-winning RBI. Jonathan Broxton had a scoreless ninth to get his 11th save of the season. Carlos Beltran doubled twice and drove in Luis Castillo for the Mets' only run of the game.

Blake Powers Dodgers to Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 5-3, their third win in a row. Chad Billingsley struggled, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks, but got his sixth win of the season after Casey Blake hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Juan Pierre scored a run in the first inning, and Orlando Hudson drove in a run before leaving the game with a bruised shoulder. Matt Kemp and James Loney each had a hit and a run scored, and Billingsley helped his own cause with an RBI-double. David Wright had a hit, RBI, and run scored for the Mets, and pitcher John Maine drove in two runs. Jonathan Broxton had a perfect ninth for his 10th save of the season.

Hudson suffered a bruised left shoulder after landing akwardly while trying to make an over-the-shoulder catch. He will be day-to-day.

Eric Stults was scratched from his start tomorrow due to a sore thumb. Jeff Weaver will make the start instead, and Eric Milton's spot will be skipped due to Thursday's off-day.

Weaver Spins Nightmare for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Florida Marlins 6-3, snapping a three-game winning streak. Eric Milton made his Dodger debut, pitching four innings and allowing just two runs on two hits and four walks. However, Jeff Weaver let the game get away when he gave up a two-run homer to John Baker that gave the Marlins the lead. Juan Pierre had two singles, a triple, and two stolen bases, and Orlando Hudson hit two sacrifice flies resulting in two runs. Russell Martin reached base three times. Dan Uggla had a hit, two walks, an RBI, and a run scored, and Cody Ross had a one-run double.

Unlucky 13th Does in Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 7-5 in 13 innings, dropping the series 2 games to one. The game went into extra innings with the score tied at four apiece, but Guillermo Mota surrendered the lead run in the 12th. However, Casey Blake hit a line-drive homer to keep the game alive. But Mota could not, giving up two in the 13th and the Dodgers could not respond. Juan Pierre had three hits and scored three times, and Blake had a hit in all three at-bats. Orlando Hudson doubled and drove in two, and Rafael Furcal had a run-batted-in. The Dodgers exhausted the entire bullpen minus Brent Leach when Jeff Weaver could only go five innings. Randy Winn finished with four hits, four runs scored, and the game-winning two-run single. Edgar Renteria added two hits, a run, and an RBI, and Emmanuel Burriss had four hits.

Dodgers' Clock Strikes 12 with Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1, their 12th straight victory at Dodger Stadium. The twelve wins ties the 1911 Detroit Tigers for the record for most consecutive home victories to start a season. The Dodgers scored all three runs in the first inning, and Jeff Weaver shined in his first start since 2007, allowing only one run in five innings while pitching on a strict pitch-count. Jonathan Broxton had a perfect ninth for his eighth save of the season. Andre Ethier had two hits, an RBI and a run scored, and Orlando Hudson doubled and scored a run. Augie Ojeda had three hits for the D-Backs, who went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Dodgers Receive Mark of 10

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3, sweeping the series 4-0 and extending their home winning-streak to a franchise-record 10 games. Chad Billingsley got his fifth win of the season, pitching seven innings of two-run ball while striking out eight. Juan Pierre had two hits, two runs scored and an RBI, and Orlando Hudson doubled twice and knocked in three runs. Andre Ethier had a double, run and RBI, and Juan Castro had two hits and scored a run. Billingsley helped his own cause by singling in a run and later scoring. Brian Giles and Jody Gerut both went deep for the Padres, and Edgar Gonzalez doubled and drove in a run.

Manny Ramirez sat out with tightness in his hamstring, the same hamstring that caused problems for him in Spring Training. Manny will most likely be back in the lineup for tomorrow's game against Arizona.

James McDonald and Jeff Weaver switched roles, with McDonald going into the bullpen and Weaver starting on Tuesday. McDonald has struggled in the starting role, giving up 14 walks in less than 15 innings and compiling an 8.16 ERA. Weaver was called up from Triple-A, and he pitched four scoreless innings of relief after McDonald left in the second inning in Thursday's game.

Weaver Returns to Push Dodgers To Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 8-5, their 15th win of the season. James McDonald was pulled in the second inning after giving up two hits, four walks, and three runs in the inning. However, Jeff Weaver made his first appearance for the Dodgers since 2005, pitching four scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and one walk. Orlando Hudson and Manny Ramirez had back-to-back homers, and Matt Kemp had a double, RBI, and two runs scored. Andre Ethier had two hits and knock in one, and Casey Blake had two hits, an RBI, and a run. Jonathan Broxton had his seventh save of the season. Adrian Gonzalez provided the Padres with a single, double, RBI, and two runs scored.

Dodgers Promote Weaver

The Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the contract of minor-league pitcher Jeff Weaver to help contribute to a thin bullpen and even spot-start. Weaver has been stellar for Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque, with an ERA of 3.55 in 12.2 innings for the Isotopes, striking out 12 while walking just two. Consequently, Scott Elbert was demoted to Double-A Chattanooga. Elbert gave up five runs in less than seven innings, translating into a 7.11 ERA. Corey Wade was activated from the disabled list, and Doug Mientkiewicz was put on the 60-day DL to make room for Weaver. Blake DeWitt was optioned to Albuquerque to make room for Wade.

Roster Moves: McDonald Makes Rotation

The Los Angeles Dodgers made more roster moves after their exhibition loss, the most notable was the naming of James McDonald as the fifth starter. McDonald has a 5.03 ERA this spring, and will show his stuff in today's game against the Giants. Chin-lung Hu failed to make the roster, and will start the season in Triple-A. Joining Hu are Jeff Weaver, Jason Repko, Xavier Paul, Eric Stults, and A.J. Ellis. Will Ohman made the roster, defying expectations that he would begin the season in the minors. Weaver will pitch in Triple-A to prepare for his role as a long-reliever and spot-starter.

Dodgers Can't Keep Up with Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 7-2 in an exhibition. Chad Billingsley pitched five innings, struck out five, and gave up a two-run homer. Guillermo Mota, Will Ohman, Jeff Weaver, and Tanyon Sturtze each gave up at least one run in just two innings combined. Russell Martin hit a two-run home run, and Matt Kemp reached base three times.

Dodgers News: No A for Effort for Kershaw, Progress with Ohman, and Weaver Gets More Innnings

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Oakland Athletics 9-5, their 18th loss of the spring. Clayton Kershaw got roughed up for seven runs, six earned, in four innings, and Ramon Troncoso gave up two runs on four hits in one inning. Guillermo Mota pitched a perfect inning, and Jonathan Broxton had a scoreless outing. Andre Ethier had a double, RBI, and run scored, and Manny Ramirez had a hit, walk, and run scored. Matt Kemp had a two-run double, and Rafael Furcal doubled as well.

Jeff Weaver pitched in a minor-league game instead his scheduled appearance against Oakland. Weaver is going to be used as a long-reliever and needs to stretch out the number of innings he pitches.

The Dodgers are expecting progress in negotiations with free-agent LHP Will Ohman, so much so that he could be ready to pitch by Opening Day. Ohman tried out for the Dodgers in a simulated game yesterday.

James McDonald is the favorite to become the club's fifth starter. McDonald has a spring ERA of 4.70, giving up 8 runs in 15 innings.

Jason Schmidt, Delwyn Young, and Claudio Vargas all will start the season on the Disabled List.

This was the last game the Dodgers will play at their new Spring Training complex, Camelback Ranch.

Dodgers News: Manny's Back, Billingsley's Hurt, and Estes Makes Decision

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 10-4, their 12th loss of the spring. Chad Billingsley was roughed up in his two innings of work, giving up four runs on 4 hits and three walks. Jeff Weaver also struggled, giving up two runs in two innings, including a home run. Scott Elbert pitched a scoreless inning, and Ramon Troncoso was touched for two runs. Of the nine Dodger hits, none were for extra bases. Matt Kemp had two RBI's, and Russell Martin and Andre Ethier both had two hits and a run scored.

Manny Ramirez made his return to the lineup after suffering a left-hamstring injury. Manny played in the DH position, and struck out twice in three at-bats.

Chad Billingsley left the game after he began to feel a mild right groin strain. Billingsley left after pitching two innings, but is not too concerned with the injury.

Mark Loretta also suffered a strained groin three innings after Billingsley suffered his. Loretta is set to make the roster as the team's primary pinch-hitter.

Blake DeWitt joins Billingsley and Loretta as slightly injured. DeWitt took a knee in the right quad muscle after trying to take out Chone Figgins before he could get a clean throw.

Luis Maza returned to the Dodgers' lineup after spending the last few weeks with Team Venezuela in the WBC. Maza had a hit in two at-bats.

Shawn Estes has elected to enter the Dodgers' minor-league camp, where he will pitch as a reliever. Estes has only pitched in relief twice in his career, but sees a golden opportunity to join the club by changing his role. The Dodgers are struggling to find a left-handed pitcher to join the fragile Hong-Chih Kuo in the bullpen. Estes is expected to pitch with the minor-league camp for a few days, then return to the big-league club for the last week of Spring Training.

Dodgers News: Happy Birthday, So Long Yhency, and New Promotion

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 3-2, snapping a four-game losing streak. Clayton Kershaw, who turned 21 today, pitched five scoreless innings, giving up just a walk and a double while striking out three. He also hit a solo-homer in the third inning. Russell Martin had a double, run, and RBI, and Andre Ethier had two hits. Eric Stults ran into trouble in his first game of the spring, giving up two runs in less than two innings. Jeff Weaver and Ramon Troncoso both pitched scoreless innings.

Josh Lindblom was promoted from minor-league camp to the majors. Lindblom was a second-round pick last year and made one relief appearance this spring, pitching two scoreless innings against Oakland.

The Dodgers released Yhency Brazoban today. Brazoban was an acquisition from the Yankees and became the team closer in 2005 after Eric Gagne was injured. However, he has been troubled with weight and health issues, having Tommy John surgery in 2006 and shoulder labrum surgery in 2007.

Jamie Hoffmann was sent to the minors so he can get more playing time. Hoffmann went four-for-six in Spring Training with three doubles, five RBI's, and three runs scored.