Series Recap: Kuroda Feelin' Fine

The series against Arizona took a gruesome turn when Hiroki Kuroda was struck in the head by a line-drive. Medical analysis shows he will make a full recovery, and could begin pitching very soon this season. His Thursday start is doubtful.

SAT - The injury to Kuroda set the stage for a heart-wrenching 4-3 loss, where Jonathan Broxton gave up back-to-back home runs to Mark Reynolds and Miguel Montero to tie the game. Ramon Troncoso continued to struggle, giving up a hit and two walks before allowing a deep single to center to drive in the winning run.

SUN - The Dodgers managed to salvage their series with the D-Backs with a 9-3 blowout. Randy Wolf cruised through seven innings before hitting trouble in the eighth, and even contributed with the bat, falling a triple short of the cycle. Andre Ethier hit a three-run homer before the first out of the game could be recorded, and Orlando Hudson drove in two runs with his own home run.

Dodgers Pad Lead with Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-2, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Dodgers hit Jonathan Sanchez for four runs in the fourth inning, the back-breaker being Matt Kemp's bases-loaded double that drove in all three runners. Mark Loretta then singled to drive in Kemp. Manny Ramirez had two hits and a run scored. Hiroki Kuroda pitched 6-and-a-third effective innings, allowing only one run. Travis Ishikawa and Bengie Molina both had solo-homers to account for the Giants' only two runs.

Orlando Hudson had to leave the game after feeling pain in his groin area. He is listed as day-to-day.

Dodgers Come Up Short Against Mets

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the New York Mets 5-4, splitting the series at a game apiece. The Dodgers struck early, scoring in the first, but Hiroki Kuroda could not get outs, giving up eight hits and two walks that resulted in five runs scoring. The bullpen held New York back, but the offense failed in the clutch, hitting 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. The Boys in Blue tried to get back into the game, scoring a run in the eighth and in the ninth to cut the deficit to one. However, with two on and one out Andre Ethier grounded into a double-play to end the game. Rafael Furcal had two hits and two RBI's, and Matt Kemp tripled and scored twice. Russell Martin reached base four times, twice by hit and twice by walk. Manny Ramirez hit a home run in the ninth to cut the lead in half. David Wright scored two runs and drove in a run for the Mets.

Ronald Belisario was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff shoulder, though the MRI revealed no structural damage. Corey Wade was called up from Triple-A to take his place.

Manny's Return Sparks Offensive Outburst

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-3, their first game with Manny Ramirez since he was suspended for violating MLB's drug policy. While Manny went 0-for-3 with a walk, the rest of the lineup seemed to be invigorated by his return, scoring five runs in the first inning. Rafael Furcal collected four hits, including a double, and scored a run, and Russell Martin singled twice and drove in two runs. Andre Ethier scored twice, and Matt Kemp had a two-run double. James Loney had a run scored and RBI. Hiroki Kuroda was shaky but solid enough to get his third win of the year, and Jonathan Broxton's perfect ninth gave him his 20th save. Scott Hairston had a solo-homer for San Diego, and Adrian Gonzalaz doubled to drive in two runs.

Dodgers Fall Asleep Again

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 4-2, dropping the series 2-1, the first time the team has lost back-two-back series. Hiroki Kuroda struggled early, giving up 4 runs in the first three innings, and the offense could not bail him out. Matt Kemp had a solo-homer, and Andre Ethier knocked in the only other run. Juan Castro scored a run. Adrian Beltre had a single, RBI, and run scored for the M's, and Jose Lopez had a two-run double that proved to be the back-breaker. Ichiro Suzuki scored a run.

Manny Ramirez struck out twice and walked in a rehab start with Single-A Inland Empire.

Kuroda Gets Elusive Second Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-2, their seventh win in 11 days. The Dodgers jumped to an early lead after Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson hit back-to-back doubles. James Loney insured the lead with a two-run homer, his third bomb in four games. That was all LA needed as Hiroki Kuroda pitched a gem to get his second win of the year, allowing only two runs on four hits in 8 and two-thirds innings, striking out nine. Jonathan Broxton was brought in with two outs and the tying run on deck, and struck out Jim Thome to get his 18th save. Hudson scored a run, and Casey Blake had two RBI's. Mitch Jones had two hits, including a double, and scored his first career run. Former Dodger Paul Konerko hit a solo home run, and Jermaine Dye had two hits and a run-batted-in.

Manny Ramirez made his Isotope debut today, playing left field for Triple-A Albuquerque in a rehab start permitted by Major League Baseball. Manny batted lead-off as he struck out and grounded out to the shortstop in his only two at-bats.

Silence Continues for Dodgers in Texas

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Texas Rangers 6-0, their third loss in four games of interleague play this season. The shutout loss puts the Dodgers' run total at 17 over the last 8 games. Hiroki Kuroda was solid through five innings before giving up three runs in the sixth. James Loney and Orlando Hudson had rare errors that resulted in three of the Rangers' runs. Juan Pierre singled twice and Rafael Furcal had a double. Casey Blake also collected two hits. Marlon Byrd had two hits, including a triple, a run scored, and an RBI for Texas, and Michael Young drove in a run. Hank Blalock had an RBI and scored a run.

Ethier Repeats in Dodgers' Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 in 12 innings, their fourth win in five games. The Dodgers won in the bottom of the twelfth after Andre Ethier hit a solo-homer with two outs, his second walk-off hit in as many games. It was also Ethier's second home run of the day. Hiroki Kuroda had six shutout innings, but Ronald Belisario could not preserve the lead, giving up two runs in the seventh that led the Phillies take the lead. However, in the bottom of the ninth Rafael Furcal hit a pinch-hit homer to tie the game and send it into extra-innings. James Loney had three hits, and Juan Castro had two. Matt Stairs hit a two-run single that gave the Phils their short lead, and Pedro Feliz had two hits and scored a run.

Dodgers Can't Pick Up Kuroda in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2, their third loss in five games. Hiroki Kuroda made his first start since Opening Day, and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks with six strikeouts. However, the Dodgers could not get on the board for the first eight innings, going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position during that span. Billy Buckner held LA to just four hits and two walks over six innings to get the win. Matt Kemp and Orlando Hudson both doubled, and Juan Pierre had three hits and an RBI. Josh Whitesell had a two-run double for the D-Backs, and Mark Reynolds drove in the other run with a sac-fly.

Dodgers Bludgeon Cubs for Split

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-2, splitting the four-game series to two games apiece. The Dodgers had five consecutive singles to start the first inning, en route to hanging five runs by the time the third out was recorded. Matt Kemp homered in the third, and the Dodgers never looked back. Eric Milton had his second win in as many starts, allowing only two runs in five-and-one-third innings of work, and the bullpen shut down Chicago for the rest of the night. The 1-7 hitters in the LA lineup each had a hit and either an RBI or a run scored. Mark Loretta and James Loney both doubled and drove in two runs, Russell Martin reached base four times and scored twice, and Rafael Furcal had two hits and scored a run. Reed Johnson had three hits for the Cubs, including a two-run double that provided all of Chicago's offense.

Eric Stults was placed on the 15-day disabled list for his sore left thumb. He sprained the thumb in a start, and had to skip his turn in the rotation to recover. He then returned against Colorado and Chicago, giving up eight runs, nine hits, and seven walks in 7.1 innings combined. Travis Schlichting was called up from Double-A to take his place, though the replacement will most likely be short-lived. Hiroki Kuroda is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start tomorrow's game against Arizona. It will be Kuroda's first start since his opening-day debut where he went 5-and-two-thirds innings, allowing only one run on four hits.

Kuroda Goes on DL

Hiroki Kuroda will not make his scheduled start against Arizona on Saturday. Instead, he will be put on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained left oblique muscle. Eric Stults will make the start instead.

Kemp & Kuroda Shine in Dodgers' Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers began the 2009 season today by defeating the San Diego Padres 4-1, their first win of the season. Hiroki Kuroda pitched 5-and-two-thirds innings, allowing just one run, four hits, and one walk. Matt Kemp had the first Dodger home run of the season, and made a diving catch that ended up preventing a big inning for the Padres. James Loney had three hits and two RBI's, and Rafael Furcal had two hits, a stolen base, and scored a run. Andre Ethier had two hits and an RBI. San Diego ace Jake Peavy was roughed up for his first loss against the Dodgers after 11 straight wins, giving up all four runs on seven hits while striking out eight. Brian Giles knocked in the only Padre run.

Dodgers News: Bench Mob, Ardoin is Cut, and Goodbye Arizona

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 10-8, their last game in Arizona. Bench favorite Doug Mientkiewicz hit a two-run bomb, and Juan Castro had a double and homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, including a double, and Jason Repko knocked in two and scored a run. Hiroki Kuroda had his last tune-up before the season begins, allowing just one run in three innings. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a perfect inning, and Eric Milton gave up eight runs in less than three innings, including two homers.

The Dodgers designated Danny Ardoin for assignment. Ardoin spent most of last season as Russell Martin's backup after Gary Bennet hit the DL. He has ten days to either accept his assignment in Triple-A or become a minor-league free agent.

This was the Dodgers' last game in Arizona. They will play three exhibition games at Dodger Stadium, one against the Angels and two against Milwaukee, then go to San Francisco to play a game against the Giants.

The Dodgers sent Eric Milton to Triple-A, and notified Tanyon Sturtze that he is on the bubble. Milton came into Spring Training as a candidate for the fifth-starter spot, but a 10.07 ER knocked him out of the race. Sturtze is still a possibility of joining the bullpen, but if he doesn't he will be sent to the minors as well.

Dodgers News: Manny's Perfect, Gagne Makes Appearance, and Billingsley has Session

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Kansas City Royals 4-1, their 15th loss of the spring. Hiroki Kuroda pitched more than five innings despite giving up four runs on eight hits. Jeff Weaver struck out the side in his only inning of work. Manny Ramirez had three of the Dodgers' five hits in three at-bats. Doug Mientkiewicz had the only RBI for the team.

Chad Billingsley pitched a full bullpen session and feels fine. Billingsley suffered a strained right groin while pitching in a game. He expects to pitch in a simulated game and still be ready for his April 8th start in San Diego for the regular season.

Joe Torre has decided Manny Ramirez will bat third in the regular-season lineup. Manny will bat cleanup after Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson.

Eric Gagne made a brief appearance at the Spring Training complex today. Gagne is a free-agent recovering from a tear in his right rotator cuff. He signed a minor-league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, but was cut due to his consistent health problems.

Dodgers News: McDonald Makes Case for Fifth, Blake Sees New View, and Broadcaster is Announced

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-4, their win of the spring. Doug Mientkiewicz came up a home run short of the cycle, getting a single, double, and triple with two RBI's. Russell Martin had a two-run homer, and Juan Castro had a double, run scored, and RBI. James McDonald had his first start with the Dodgers, and pitched three hitless innings, allowing only a walk and inserted his name in the contest for the fifth starting pitcher in the rotation. Shawn Estes gave up two runs in less than three innings, and Scott Elbert gave up a run in one inning of work.

McDonald made the start in place of Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda pitched in a minor-league game instead.

Eric Collins was announced as the Dodgers' new play-by-play man for road games. Collins will call games on the road outside the NL West for TV affiliates FSN and KCAL 9.

Casey Blake played in his first game against the Cleveland Indians. Blake spent his entire major-league career with Cleveland, and went to the ALCS in 2007 with them. Blake was acquired from the Indians in the middle of last season for two prospects, and was later resigned in the off-season to shore up the infield.

Dodgers News: Kuroda Gets Call, Off-Day Blues, and Mr. Beimal Goes to Washington

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that Hiroki Kuroda will be the opening-day starter against San Diego. Kuroda will be followed in the rotation by Randy Wolf, Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, and the mystery fifth-man. Billingsley will be positioned to pitch the Dodgers' home-opener on April 13. The rotation sets up as right-left-right-left. Kuroda, a top-tier pitcher from Japan, went 9-10 last year with a 3.73 ERA and two complete game shutouts, including a one-hitter. He won two playoff games, and was the only pitcher to get a win against Philadelphia in the NLCS. He gained the respect of many teammates in the playoffs after throwing a brush-back pitch to Shane Victorino, sending a message to Philly that he would not allow their pitchers to harass the Dodgers without retaliation.

Chad Billingsley pitched 5 innings in a minor-league intrasquad game, giving up three runs, including a home run.

Joe Beimal officially signed with the Washington Nationals, effectively ending his tenure with LA. Beimal was used as a situational lefty last season, and had an ERA of 2.02, but surrendered 20 inherited runs.

Dodgers News: Split Squad, Schmidt is Out, and Manny Will Sit

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Oakland Athletics 10-8, their 8th loss of the spring. Oakland scored 9 runs in the third inning off three different pitchers. Jason Schmidt pitched two scoreless innings, giving up only a hit and two walks and striking out two. Jeff Weaver surrendered four runs, and Shawn Estes gave up two. Matt Kemp had a double and RBI, and Brad Ausmus had two hits. Juan Castro had two hits, an RBI, and a run scored.

The Dodgers lost to the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in 10 innings, and lost both split-squad games. Mitch Jones had his fourth homer of the spring, and Orlando Hudson had two hits, including a double. Blake DeWitt had three hits, and Xavier Paul had two hits and a run scored. Hiroki Kuroda had a shaky outing, giving up two runs, one earned, in three innings on seven hits. Guillermo Mota, Corey Wade, and Ramon Troncoso each had a scoreless inning of work.

Jason Schmidt is out of the running for the fifth-starter spot, according to manager Joe Torre. Schmidt is unable to be ready to pitch on a normal 5-day rotation, suffering from severe fatigue after most of his outings.

Manny Ramirez will miss the rest of the week as he tries to heal his left hamstring. He aggravated his hamstring in yesterday's game as he ran to flag a double. Ramirez believes the injury was created from his extra workouts and exercises as he tried to make up for lost time.

Don Mattingly managed the Dodgers against Seattle as Joe Torre was the manager in the contest with Oakland. Mattingly is the hitting coach, and was a potential candidate to replace Torre as manager of the New York Yankees, where he spent his entire career. However, he lost the job to Joe Girardi. Mattingly is seen as the heir-apparent to Torre after the two remaining years on his contract are finished. His son, Preston Mattingly, plays in the Dodgers organization, and is a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.

Dodgers News: Tough Thrashing, Schmidt Can't Pitch, and Manny Can't Play

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Colorado Rockies 9-5, their seventh loss of the season. Manny Ramirez made his debut in left-field, but left the game after injuring his hamstring. Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas both had rough outings, Milton giving up four runs in his first inning of work, and Vargas surrendering three runs in three innings. Valentino Pascucci had a two-run homer, and Hector Luna had a double, RBI, and three runs scored. Russell Martin and Casey Blake both had doubles, and Juan Castro had a hit and RBI.

Manny Ramirez was lifted in the fourth inning for a pinch-hitter after Ramirez tweaked his left hamstring. He received the injury after trying to run down a double in the top of the fourth. The hamstring tightened on Thursday, keeping him out of the lineup against Korea. Ramirez will not play in any game tomorrow, and might not play Tuesday with Wednesday an off-day.

Eric Stults, a long-shot candidate for the fifth-starter spot, pitched three shutout innings in a B-game against the Chicago White Sox yesterday.

Justin Orenduff cleared waivers and was sent to the minors. Orenduff was designated for assignment after LA signed Manny Ramirez.

Jason Schmidt complained of full-body fatigue and was given an extra day of rest. He was scheduled to pitch in today's game, but will instead start tomorrow against Oakland.

The Dodgers will play two split-squad games tomorrow, one against Oakland and the other against Seattle. While Schmidt going against the A's, Hiroki Kuroda will start against the Mariners.

Dodgers News: LA Bites Snakes, Abreu is Out, and Paul is In

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3, their seventh win of the spring. Casey Blake slugged a solo homer, and Matt Kemp had a 2-run home run. Brad Ausmus had two hits, including a double, and James Loney had two hits, two RBI's and a run scored. Juan Pierre tripled and Orlando Hudson scored a run. Hiroki Kuroda pitched three-and-two-thirds scoreless innings with six strikeouts, and has not given up an earned run all spring. Jeff Weaver gave up a run in his only inning, and Guillermo Mota pitched a scoreless inning, striking out two.

The Dodgers will have tomorrow off, and will play an exhibition against Team Korea on Thursday. Manny Ramirez is expected to make his debut that day.

Tony Abreu is no longer a candidate for a utility role with the big-league club. Abreu strained his groin during Spring Training, and hasn't played in a game since. He is improving, but due to his lack of playing time (he was out all last season with sports hernia and hip surgery), he will play in the minors. Juan Castro, Blake DeWitt, Hector Luna, and Doug Mientkiewicz are all candidates for the utility-man spot. Chin-lung Hu, normally a defensively-gifted middle infielder, has made too many errors to be in the running.

Xavier Paul is a strong candidate for the fourth outfield spot if Juan Pierre is traded. Paul is batting .406 in Spring Training with 10 RBI's, one homer, two triples, and three doubles. Juan Castro's bat is making him the favorite to become a utility infielder. Castro has a .524 batting average with a home run and five doubles.

Dodgers News: Walk-off Win, Manny Comes to Camelback, and Pierre Wants a Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-4, their first win at Camelback Ranch. Jason Repko hit a game-winning RBI single in the ninth, just after Xavier Paul had a game-tying RBI. Paul hit a home run earlier in the game, and Doug Mientkiewicz hit a 2-run homer. Hiroki Kuroda pitched three scoreless innings, only giving up one hit, and Ramon Troncoso had a perfect inning. Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas hit setbacks, combining to give up all of the White Sox runs of the day.

Orlando Hudson returned to the lineup after experiencing soreness in his left wrist. Andre Ethier played in right field after spending the last two days in the DH position.

Manny Ramirez arrived in Glendale, Arizona to join the Dodgers' Spring Training. He held a press conference in which he estimates it will take a week for him to play in Spring Training games. Manny stated he was happy to be with LA, that he was unhappy in Boston, and will fully commit to the team, despite not receiving the 4-year, $100 million contract he wanted at the beginning of free-agency.

Juan Pierre has requested a trade from the Dodgers after the signing of Manny Ramirez. Pierre's speed makes him a good fourth-outfielder and pinch-hitter. However, Pierre wishes to play full-time, and would like to go to another team where he can play everyday.

More WBC Exhibitions: Jonathan Broxton got the save in Team USA's 9-6 win over Philadelphia. He pitched a perfect 9th inning with one strikeout. Russell Martin had a hit and a run in Team Canada's 6-0 win over the New York Yankees. Valentino Pascucci had a hit and three strikeouts in Team Italy's loss to the New York Mets. Luis Maza walked in his only plate appearance in Team Venezuela's 8-4 loss to Atlanta. Kenley Jansen went hitless in two at-bats in Team Netherlands' 4-2 loss to Minnesota.