Dodgers Salvage Series in Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 in 10 innings, salvaging a victory from this four-game series. The Dodgers had a 3-2 lead going into the seventh, but Rick Ankiel tied it with one swing of the bat. The game entered extra innings, and with two out Matt Kemp singled to drive in two runs, more than enough for the win. Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless 10th to get his 24th save, and James McDonald's perfect ninth gave him his third career victory. Casey Blake had four hits, including a double, and scored twice, and Rafael Furcal drove in two runs. Kemp finished with three hits and three RBI's, and Brad Ausmus singled twice and had a run scored. Matt Holliday finished with two runs-batted-in, and Albert Pujols scored a run.

Scott Elbert was called up from Triple-A, and Brent Leach was demoted after he struggled this month.

George Sherrill will join the team tomorrow in Atlanta. A move on the roster will need to be made to make room for him.

Dodgers Fall Apart Against Angels

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5-4, their second loss in six games. The Dodgers had an early 4-1 lead, but Chad Billingsley coughed it up in the sixth inning, and the game was tied. In the eighth, Juan Rivera connected and homered to left to give the Angels the lead. LA went a combined 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, leaving the bases loaded in the eighth and stranding the tying run on second in the ninth. James Loney and Rafael Furcal both homered for the third time this season, and Orlando Hudson had three hits. Juan Pierre and Russell Martin both scored a run, and Casey Blake had an RBI and an amazing diving-catch to end a serious bases-loaded threat. Chone Figgins had two hits and scored a run for the Angels, and Vladimir Guerrero had an RBI and a run scored. Maicer Izturis drove in two runs.

The Dodgers recalled James McDonald from Triple-A Albuquerque. McDonald was on the Opening Day roster, but struggled in his first career starts, posting an ERA of 6.75. However, he had a tremendous turnaround in the minors, and compiled an ERA of 3.26 and 40 strikeouts. Travis Schlichting was demoted to make room for McDonald. Schlichting was rarely used as a reliever, pitching just 2.2 innings in his rookie-season.

Dodgers Pull One Out in Matinee

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 in 10 innings, taking the series 2-1. The Dodgers had a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth, but Jonathan Broxton gave up a game-tying double to Carlos Ruiz with two outs. However, Andre Ethier walked with two out in the top of the tenth, and Russell Martin doubled, James Loney walked, and Matt Kemp doubled to put LA up by two. Chad Billingsley was sharp despite not getting the win, allowing only one run on three hits and nine strikeouts. Ramon Troncoso had his second save of the season. Martin finished with three hits, Kemp had a triple and finished just a homer short of the cycle, and Loney had his second home run in as many days. Xavier Paul doubled, the first extra-base hit of his career, and Casey Blake added a single, double, RBI, and run scored. Raul Ibanez had two hits and scored a run for the Phillies, and Jimmy Rollins had a double.

The Dodgers optioned James McDonald to the minors, and called up veteran Eric Milton to replace him. Milton will start Saturday against the Marlins instead of Jeff Weaver. McDonald struggled in his rookie season, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA.

Bullpen Crumlbes in First W/O Manny

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Washington Nationals 11-9, their first loss at home. The loss came just hours after Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a banned substance. The Dodgers broke out of the gate early, scoring six runs in the first inning, including a grand slam from Matt Kemp. Randy Wolf was solid, allowing only a run in six innings of work. However, the bullpen could not hold the lead, as Ramon Troncoso, Corey Wade, Will Ohman, Brent Leach, Guillermo Mota, and James McDonald combined to give up 10 runs, 13 hits, and two walks in just three innings of work. LA tried to come from behind in the ninth, scoring two runs, but ultimately fell short. Casey Blake came up a homer short of a cycle, and Kemp finished with five RBI's. James Loney and Russell Martin both had two hits, scored twice, and one RBI. Adam Dunn had a double and three runs batted in for the Nats, and Anderson Hernandez scored three times. Nick Johnson three hits, three RBI's, and two runs scored.

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.

Troncoso Helps Dodgers Slip Past Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-5, their fifth straight win over the Rox. James McDonald gave up five runs in five innings of work, but because the Dodgers scored six runs and he left with the lead intact, he got the first win of his career. Ramon Troncoso pitched four scoreless innings of relief, getting the first save of his career. The Dodgers scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back, despite the Rockies cutting the lead to one run twice. Russell Martin had a single, a double, and four RBI's, and James Loney got on base four times, twice by hit and twice by walk. Orlando Hudson had a double, and Andre Ethier scored twice. Garrett Atkins hit a two-run homer for Colorado, and Brad Hawpe had two hits and two RBI's.

Dodgers Blast Past Rockies

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 14-2, their eighth straight victory. The Dodgers had the lead right at the beginning after scoring twice in the first inning. James McDonald struggled despite not allowing any runs, and could not escape the fifth inning. Matt Kemp had two home runs, one a grand slam, and a double, scored three runs, and knocked in five runs. Every Dodger got in on the hit-parade, including Rafael Furcal with two hits, one a double, an RBI, and two runs, Orlando Hudson with three hits, including a double, three RBI's, and two runs, and Manny Ramirez with two hits and a run scored. Andre Ethier had a double and knocked in three, James Loney singled, scored a run, and knocked in a run, and Russell Martin had two hits, two walks, and scored a run. Casey Blake had a single, a double, and scored twice. Scott Elbert got the first win of his career in relief, and had a double, RBI, and run scored, all firsts. Brad Hawpe doubled and homered for the Rox, and Chris Iannetta had his own solo shot.

Dodger News: Rotation Shuffle, Young Has Interest

The Los Angeles Dodgers are just one week into the season and already they are shuffling their pitching rotation. Eric Stults is being put into the rotation as James McDonald is moved to the bullpen. Stults joined the team after Hiroki Kuroda hit the DL, pitching more than five innings of one-run ball yesterday against Arizona. McDonald had a disastrous outing, giving up five runs in less than three innings against the same D-Backs. The Dodgers don't need a fifth starter for a few days with the off-day Tuesday, but will need one on Sunday against Colorado. That game will be a "bullpen" game, in which McDonald will pitch 2-3 innings, with the rest of the bullpen pitching in relief. Manager Joe Torre can use the bullpen like that since the Monday after is an off-day.

Delwyn Young has interest from other clubs, and could be traded by the end of the week. Young is currently on the disabled list and is playing in Triple-A Albuquerque to rehab a troubled elbow. Young is out of minor-league options and lacks a solid glove and versatility, making the club reluctant to put him on the roster. He is a switch-hitter, and has become an adept pinch-hitter. While with the Isotopes, Young caught the attention of scouts from Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

McDonald's Debut is D-Back's Parade

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-4, their first losing streak of the season. James McDonald made his first major league start for LA, but was roughed up for five runs in the third inning. Brad Ausmus started for Russell Martin and took advantage of the opportunity, getting two hits and an RBI. Manny Ramirez also had two hits and an RBI, and Matt Kemp scored two runs. Casey Blake had a two-run homer. Chris Young came up a triple short of the cycle for the Snakes, and scored three times. Felipe Lopez had two hits, runs and RBI's, and Conor Jackson knocked in three.

Dodgers End Spring with Whimper

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 3-1, their last spring exhibition of the year. James McDonald pitched four innings, yielding three runs on six hits while striking out five. Josh Lindblom took full advantage of his last chance to make the club, pitching four scoreless innings while allowing only three baserunners. James Loney had two hits and an RBI, and Juan Pierre scored the Dodgers' only run. Juan Castro had a double.

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 News: Heavy Hitting, Oh Man, and Minor Awards

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-9, snapping a four-game spring losing streak. Blake DeWitt, Casey Blake, and James Loney all had home runs, and DeWitt came up a triple short of the cycle. Juan Pierre had two hits, runs, and RBI's. Andre Ethier had two doubles and three RBI's. James McDonald pitched four-and-one-third innings, giving up three runs on six hits. Corey Wade was the only pitcher to have a perfect outing for both teams.

Will Ohman made his debut for the Dodgers and showed his rust. Ohman gave up a walk and a home run and struck out one in one-third of an inning.

The Dodgers gave out awards to their top minor-league players. The winners were Xavier Paul for best Spring Training for a rookie, James McDonald for Pitcher of the Year, Ivan DeJesus Jr. for Player of the Year, and Tony Delmonico for Rookie of the Year.

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: McDonald Shines, Billingsley's Held Back, and Vargas is Sore

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 8-6, their 13th win of the spring. James McDonald improved his claim to the fifth starter spot with three scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out three. Eric Milton took a step back as he allowed 6 runs on seven hits in less than three innings. Xavier Paul had a three-run triple, and both James Loney and Blake DeWitt had two hits and two RBI's. Juan Castro had two hits, one run scored, and an RBI.

Chad Billingsley will be held back from his scheduled start on Sunday because of a strained groin. Billingsley expects to pitch in a bullpen session on Friday.

Claudio Vargas's elbow became sore after Wednesday's outing. Vargas is a candidate for the fifth starter spot.

Jonathan Broxton and Corey Wade both pitched in simulated games rather than their expected bullpen sessions.

Dodgers Offer Estes Ultimatum

The Los Angeles Dodgers cut veteran LHP Shawn Estes from their major-league roster according to Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News. Estes has two options: he can join the Dodgers' minor-league camp and start the season in Triple-A Albuquerque, or he can be released and become a free-agent. The decision came after James McDonald had an impressive outing to put his name up for consideration for the fifth-starter spot. Estes signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers early in free-agency, and competed for the fifth-starter role during Spring Training. However, Estes pitched poorly, and his spring ERA was at 8.44. Estes has not come to a decision yet.

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: From Wolf to Prey, So Long Abreu, and Five's for Fighting

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago Cubs 12-3, their 10th loss of the season. Randy Wolf gave up 7 runs on 10 hits in four innings, and James McDonald surrendered four runs in less than two innings. James Loney had a double and a run scored, and A.J. Ellis had an RBI-double.

The Dodgers optioned six players to the minor leagues, including infielder Tony Abreu. Abreu missed all of last season with a sports hernia and a torn hip labrum, and was injured during this spring. He was a long-shot to make the club in April as a utility-infielder. Also optioned were Lucas May, Travis Schlichting, Victor Garate, Brent Leach, and Jesus Castillo.

Pedro Martinez still remains a possibility for the fifth-starter spot, especially with the poor outings of the current candidates as of late. Those candidates stand to be Claudio Vargas, Eric Milton, Shawn Estes and Eric Stults, with Milton as the current favorite. Jason Schmidt is out of the running as he struggles to stay in line with a five-day schedule, and Jeff Weaver has been marked bullpen-only. James McDonald, once a possible fifth-starter candidate, is now fighting to make the opening-day roster as he experiences a poor spring.

Dodgers News: Manny's Debut, Wade Gets In, and Papelbon Won't Stop

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 4-3, their eighth win of the spring. Manny Ramirez made his Spring Training debut, getting a hit, run, and two walks. Andre Ethier and Delwyn Young both had a hit and RBI, and Orlando Hudson had a hit and scored two runs. Brad Ausmus had a double. Chad Billingsley had a rough outing, giving up two homers in his first inning of work, resulting in three runs. James McDonald pitched two scoreless innings, but walked four batters. Jeff Weaver, Guillermo Mota, and Corey Wade combined to throw three scoreless innings, allowing only hit and striking out three between them.

Corey Wade pitched a perfect inning in his spring debut. Wade was suffering with a sore shoulder, keeping him sidelined for a few weeks from pitching in any games.

Valentino Pascucci returned to the Dodgers after playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He struck out in his only at-bat. Italy went 1-2 in the WBC, ultimately being eliminated by Venezuela.

Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon continued to explain his metaphor comparing Manny Ramirez to cancer. He likened Jason Bay, Manny's replacement, to chemotherapy. Ramirez was sent to LA from the Red Sox at the trade deadline in a three-way trade, and Bay was sent to Boston from Pittsburgh. Papelbon has drawn ire from the media for comparing Ramirez to cancer in an interview with Esquire.

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: High Scores, Sore Wrist, and Return to Lineup

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 10-8, their 4th loss of Spring Training. Clayton Kershaw gave up 4 hits and two runs in just two innings of work, and James McDonald surrendered two runs as well. Andre Ethier was back in the lineup as a DH and had a home run, 2 RBI's and a run. Xavier Paul also knocked in two runs, and Chin-lung Hu had two hits. Delwyn Young had a double, an RBI, and a run.

Orlando Hudson could not play in today's game due to a sore left-wrist, the same wrist that underwent surgery several months ago. Chin-lung Hu took over for him at second-base. The soreness is not considered serious and Hudson can return to the lineup by tomorrow.

Andre Ethier played his second game at DH, getting his second hit and second run at the position. Ethier stayed on the bench for a few days after suffering from a sore heel. It is unclear when he will return to the outfield. Casey Blake is still recovering from a pulled muscle.

WBC teams played more exhibitions today. Russell Martin did not play in Team Canada's 9-2 loss to Philadelphia. Valentino Pascucci had a hit and an RBI in Team Italy's 5-1 win over Florida. Jonathan Broxton did not pitch for Team USA in its 6-5 loss to Toronto. Luis Maza went hitless in two at-bats in Team Venezuala's 4-4 tie with Houston. Kenley Jansen went hitless in two at-bats in Team Netherlands' 4-3 10-inning loss to Cincinnati.