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 Blow Past Braves in Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 9-1, taking the series 2-1 and ending the road trip with a 3-4 record. LA scored four runs in the fifth inning, all with two outs, and never looked back. Chad Billingsley pitched five dominant, two-hit innings before being lifted after an injury. The Dodgers totaled 19 base hits, as Matt Kemp led the way with a three-run homer and a two-run single. Mark Loretta drove in and scored a run, James Loney had three hits and two RBI's, Andre Ethier reached base four times, and Manny Ramirez scored twice. Martin Prado had two hits and Atlanta's only RBI.

Billingsley was pulled after the fifth inning when he felt pain in his right leg. It was later described as a cramp in his hamstring.

Casey Blake had to sit out after he injured his wrist last night. He is day-to-day.

Corey Wade was activated from the 15-day disabled list, but was subsequently demoted to Triple-A.

Dodgers Overpower Brewers for Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 12-8 in 10 innings, their first victory of the season against the Brew Crew. The Dodgers had an early lead after Andre Ethier homered in the first, but Chad Billingsley did not have his A-game, yielding two runs in the first before recording three outs. After trading runs in the fourth innings, Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin both slammed jacks to give the Dodgers a two-run cushion. Billingsley once again surrendered two more runs to tie the game. Mat Gamel then homered in the eighth to give Milwaukee a one-run lead. However, the Dodgers got to closer Trevor Hoffman, with Mark Loretta singling home the tying run in the ninth. In the 10th, LA broke the game open, scoring two runs before loading the bases, where Matt Kemp delivered a grand-slam home run to put the game out of reach for Milwaukee. Despite allowing two runs in the bottom of the inning, Jonathan Broxton held on to seal the victory. Kemp finished with a double and single in addition to the grand-slam, and Martin had three hits and scored three runs. James Loney homered, and Casey Blake hit an RBI-triple in the 10th that gave the Dodgers the lead. Gamel finished the game with three RBI's for the Brewers, and J.J. Hardy smashed a homer and drove in three runs. Prince Fielder scored twice, and Mike Cameron had three hits.

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.

Homers Abound as ChiSox Beat Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago White Sox 10-7, evening the series at a game apiece. The White Sox scored every run courtesy of the homer, as five of the Chicago Nine went deep. Randy Wolf was tossed around despite having a 3-1 lead for a cushion early in the game. Corey Wade entered the game in relief, and he was battered as well. Matt Kemp hit his own homer, a three-run tater, and Mark Loretta scored twice and drove in a run. James Loney scored two runs, and Orlando Hudson had an RBI. Alexei Ramirez, Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Josh Fields, and Jayson Nix each smacked a home run, with Fields hitting two.

Manny Ramirez had another rehab start with Albuquerqe. This time he drew a walk in his first plate-appearance, but grounded-out to the shortstop in his second. Manny was originally supposed to be in the game for at least five innings, but he left after four.

Dodgers Get Enough to Beat A's

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-2, taking the interleague series two games to one. Oakland scored first, but Orlando Hudson drove a home run into center-field to tie the game. The Dodgers scored again in the fifth inning, but the A's came back as Rajai Davis took advantage of a fielding blunder; Rafael Furcal directed Juan Pierre to throw to second-base after a single sent Davis to third. Davis saw the throw go to second, and immediately left for home and scored. However, LA took the lead for good in the seventh. Pierre had an RBI-single, and Mark Loretta knocked in the go-ahead run. Casey Blake had two hits and helped start three double-plays. Russell Martin and James Loney both had a hit and scored a run. Ramon Troncoso recorded two outs in the ninth for his fifth save of the season. Randy Wolf allowed only one run in six innings, but did not receive a decision. Kurt Suzuki had an RBI-double for the A's, and Matt Holliday also doubled but did not come around to score.

Jonathan Broxton was unavailable for the game due to a sore big right toe.

The win gave manager Joe Torre his 2,195th career managerial victory, putting him fifth on the all-time list. He passed Sparky Anderson after tying him on Tuesday.

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.

Mets Gift-Wrap Win for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 3-2, their second win in a row. The game was tied at 2 apiece after Gary Sheffield hit a single to score Angel Pagan, and it eventually entered extra-innings. In the 11th, the wheels fell off for the Mets when Ryan Church, who singled, missed third-base as he headed home on a Pagan-triple, ending the inning. In the bottom of the inning, after Mark Loretta walked, Pagan and Carlos Beltran miscommunicated on a fly-ball from Xavier Paul and it dropped in. Juan Pierre was intentionally walked, and Orlando Hudson grounded a ball to Jeremy Reed at first. However, Reed threw the ball away as he tried to get Loretta at home. The Mets made a total of five errors. Rafael Furcal had two hits and scored a run, and Hudson singled twice and drove in a run. Pagan finished with four hits for the Mets, and David Wright doubled twice and scored a run.

Kershaw's Near No-No Leads Way for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Florida Marlins 12-5, taking the series 2-1 and finishing their road-trip with a 4-2 record. The story of the day was Clayton Kershaw, who threw seven innings of no-hit ball before giving up a leadoff double to Cody Ross in the eighth. Kershaw finished the game allowing only one run on one hit and four walks while striking out nine. Both Mark Loretta and Juan Pierre had three hits, drove in three runs, and scored twice. Juan Castro had his first homer of the season, and he scored four runs. Orlando Hudson had two RBI's, and Xavier Paul scored two runs. Dan Uggla had a double for the Marlins, and Ross had a grand slam in the ninth.

Phils Steal Victory from Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3, their second loss in a row. The Dodgers scored a run in the first inning off former Blue Crew member Chan Ho Park, but Clayton Kershaw gave up three runs in the fourth, and LA could not come back. Another former-Dodger burned the Boys in Blue: Jayson Werth had two hits and scored twice, and collected four steals, including a steal of home. Orlando Hudson had three hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Dodgers, and Matt Kemp drove in a run. Mark Loretta had an RBI pinch-hit single. Raul Ibanez drove in two runs for Philly, and Shane Victorino had a run scored and run batted in. Pedro Feliz walked four times.

Dodgers Take Come-From-Behind to Extend Streak

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-3, their sixth straight win. The game was in jeopardy going into the bottom of the seventh with LA trailing 3-0, but the boys in blue scored four runs in the inning to secure the win. Randy Wolf gave up the three runs in the first inning, but pitched perfectly after that, allowing only one hit in the other five innings while striking out seven. Rafael Furcal, Orlando Hudson, Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier each reached base in the deciding seventh, and Mark Loretta had the game-winning RBI by driving in Ethier who reached second on a double. Kemp also had a double. Jonathan Broxton had a five-out save while striking out four to secure his fourth save of the season. Brad Hawpe had a two-run homer for the Rockies, and Garrett Atkins had a double, RBI, and run scored.

Dodgers News: Schmidt Toils, Ohman Tries Out, and Billingsley Nears Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 7-3, their 17th loss of the spring. Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run and singled twice, providing most of the Dodger offense. Manny Ramirez had a double and a walk, and Russell Martin singled and scored a run. Jason Schmidt pitched a solid first inning, then the wheels fell off as he gave up three runs without getting past the fourth. Hong-Chih Kuo became a victim of the wind, giving up a run in one inning. Corey Wade had a perfect inning, and Josh Lindblom increased his bid for the opening-day roster, pitching two hitless innings. Ramon Troncoso pitched a perfect ninth.

The Dodgers gave LHP Will Ohman a try-out today. Ohman pitched in a simulated minor-league game. The Dodgers are searching for a left-handed pitcher to put in the bullpen, and Ohman is searching for a job. Erik Threets and Brian Mazone, both with the team, are the current candidates to fill the void left by Joe Beimal.

Chad Billingsley is ready to make his scheduled regular-season start as he rehabs a strained right-groin. Billingsley pitched in a simulated game and experienced no problems. Billingsley will pitch Friday in an exhibition against Milwaukee at Dodger Stadium.

Mark Loretta continues to recover from his own right-groin strain. Loretta is optimistic that he can enter a game by Wednesday or Thursday, possibly in a minor-league game.

Claudio Vargas is recovering his sore right-elbow. The soreness is caused by inflammation as he has learned, and there is no ligament damage. Vargas can begin throwing by next week.

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: Homers Abound, Levine Takes a Whack, and Manny Gets Ready for Left

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3, their ninth win of the spring. Russell Martin had a home run, 2 runs scored, and two RBI's, and Juan Pierre had two hits, including double, two stolen bases, and scored a run. Delwyn Young had a solo home run, and Valentino Pascucci had a two-run blast. Mark Loretta had a double. Clayton Kershaw had a decent outing, giving up two runs in 3-and-two-thirds innings and striking out five. Ramon Troncoso had perfect one-and-one-third innings.

Ken Levine called the game on the Dodgers' radio network. Levine is one of six candidates competing for the TV play-by-play job on games outside the NL West. The hole was created after the Dodgers announced Charlie Steiner would only broadcast on the radio. Steiner previously did play-by-play for Vin Scully, who can not call games east of the Rocky Mountains. The list of candidates can be seen here.

Eric Threets left the game after pitching just one-third of an inning. Threets suffered an injury to his left shouler. Doug Mientkiewicz left the game after straining a quad muscle.

Joe Beimal is expected to sign with a team soon, according to ESPN. Aside from the Dodgers, Beimal has gotten interest from Colorado, San Diego, and Oakland. Beimal pitched the last three seasons in LA, and had an ERA of 2.02 with a 5-1 record last season.

The Brewers were asked to use the DH in today's game so Manny Ramirez could get at-bats. However, Milwaukee denied their requests, and the pitcher-hitter rule was used. Manny is instead penciled in for tomorrow's game against Colorado as the left-fielder.

Dodgers News: Whipe-Out, Blake is Back, and Schmidt Will Pitch

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago White Sox 9-4, their 6th loss of the spring. Mark Loretta had 2 hits, including a double, and knocked in a run, and Brad Ausmus had a double, a run scored, and an RBI. Rafael Furcal had a single and his first RBI of the spring. Clayton Kershaw threw two-and-two-thirds scoreless innings, and James McDonald gave up two runs in two innings. Scott Elbert had a rough outing, surrendering three runs in just one inning of work.

Casey Blake played third base for the first time after recovering from a hamstring injury. Blake previously played in the DH position in yesterday's game.

Jason Schmidt is scheduled to pitch in Monday's game against Texas. It will be the first game Schmidt would pitch with the Dodgers since 2007.

Dodgers News: No-Hit Innings, DeWitt Stays at Short, and USA Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 5-4, evening their Spring Training record to 3-3. Mitch Jones had his third home run of the spring, and Blake DeWitt went deep as well. Mark Loretta had an RBI. Chad Billingsley pitched 2 no-hit innings, and Shawn Estes had two scoreless innings as well.

After Ivan De Jesus, Jr.'s injury, Blake DeWitt will see more time at shortstop. DeWitt played his second game at short today, and is capable of playing both second-base and third.

Team USA played an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, and Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit and a walk. Team USA won 6-5.

In other World Baseball Classic news, Kenley Jansen, Valentino Pascucci, Luis Maza, and Russell Martin all played in exhibitions. Martin had a double and scored a run in Team Canada's 6-4 win against Toronto. Pascucci had a two-run home run in Team Italy's 9-6 loss to Washington. Maza had a pinch-hit opportunity, but could not get on base in Venezuela's 7-5 loss to Detroit. Jansen went hitless in two at-bats and committed an error in the Netherlands 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh.

Dodgers News: Home Opener, No News Still, and Pitchers Make Progress

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell in their first game at their new Spring Training home, Camelback Ranch, to the stadium's co-occupants, the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers held a 2-run lead going into the ninth inning before surrendering 3 runs to the Sox. Mark Loretta and Blake DeWitt each had an RBI, and Matt Kemp scored a run and hit a double. Hiroki Kuroda pitched two scoreless innings, only giving up a hit, and Claudio Vargas and Eric Milton both made their cases to be the fifth starter, both pitching two scoreless innings and allowing two baserunners.

Frank McCourt has said negotiations with Manny Ramirez have paused for now, but will likely resume in some time. Scott Boras and GM Ned Colletti have still spoken over the phone, but no real progress has been made. News came that McCourt pulled the Dodgers' offer of 2 years, $45 million deferred.

Eric Milton pitched for the first time since 2007 after suffering an elbow injury, and retired 6 of the 8 batters he faced, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. Claudio Vargas also threw two scoreless innings, but allowed two hits. Guillermo Mota had a perfect inning. All three pitchers and Hiroki Kuroda are capable of making the club in April.

Ramon Troncoso left the game after pitching 2/3rds of an inning for reasons unknown.

Tomorrow will be an off-day, with the club playing a 7-inning "B" game against Milwaukee.

Winter Meetings - Day 2

The Dodgers had a quiet Day Two at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, though they did finalize deals with Casey Blake and Mark Loretta. GM Ned Colletti has made inquiries about numerous players, including Manny Ramirez, CC Sabathia, and trade options for Andruw Jones, according to MLB.com. Talks are limited on the option on Jones, however, as LA will be stuck with paying the majority of his salary. A new spot has opened on the Dodgers radar, as closer Takashi Saito's condition is shaky and uncertain. Trevor Hoffman's name has come up as a possible replacement if Jonathan Broxton is kept in the setup role.

Dodgers Sign Loretta

MLB.com has reported that the Dodgers have come to terms with veteran utility infielder Mark Loretta (above), and will sign him pending a physical. The signing, reported at 1 year and $1.4 million, is meant to replace Nomar Garciaparra, who is considering retirement due to consistent health problems.