Dodgers Slip Past Cubs

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-1, their fourth win in a row. The Dodgers scored two early runs and Randy Wolf cruised through seven-plus innings to get his third win of the season. Ramon Troncoso pitched two shaky-but-scoreless innings for his second save of the season. Rafael Furcal had an RBI-single in the first inning, and Casey Blake drove in the winning run in the third inning on a groundout. Juan Pierre had two hits and scored a run, and James Loney also had two hits. Andre Ethier had a double, and the Dodgers contained Chicago with four double-plays. Bobby Scales had a solo-homer for the Cubs' only run, and Derrek Lee had two singles.

Will Ohman was placed on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder pain. Catcher A.J. Ellis was called up to take his place, allowing Brad Ausmus to be used as a pinch-hitter more.

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.

Manny & Ethier Power Dodgers Past Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 9-5, their seventh win in a row. Manny Ramirez connected twice for his first two home runs of the day, both solo shots. Andre Ethier also had two bombs, one solo and the other 3-run, his second multi-homer game of the season. Chad Billingsley went six innings to get his third win of the season, allowing three runs on four hits, three walks, while striking out six. Matt Kemp extended his hitting streak to 12 games with an RBI-single, and Brad Ausmus scored a run in his second start of the season. Will Ohman, in a rare at-bat, had an RBI single. Ian Stewart had a solo-homer for the Rockies, and Brad Hawpe had a two-run triple.

Manny's home run off starter Aaron Cook was his 528th career home run. It also meant that he has homered against all 30 major league teams in his career.

Corey Wade was put on the 15-day disabled list due to shoulder bursitis. The move is retroactive to April 12. The Dodgers called up lefty Scott Elbert to take his place in the bullpen. Elbert can also act as a long-reliever in addition to being a lefty-specialist.

Ronald Belisario could act as a substitute closer in tomorrow's game, despite him pitching today. He would replace Broxton, who is being given extra time off after pitching a five-out save on Friday.

Bullpen Collapses in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 4-3, splitting the series 2-2. The Dodgers entered the bottom of the eighth with a 3-1 lead, but Will Ohman and Corey Wade were shelled. Orlando Hudson had two hits, including a ninth inning triple that ultimately did nothing. Matt Kemp had two hits and knocked in two, and Andre Ethier reached base in all five of his plate appearances, as well as scoring and knocking in a run. Clayton Kershaw pitched five shaky innings but only gave up one run, and was in line for the win. Adrian Gonzalez had a home run, and David Eckstein doubled and scored a run for the Padres.

Roster Moves: Belisario Joins Team

The Los Angeles Dodgers made last minute changes to their 25-man roster before their win against San Diego, including the promotion of Ronald Belisario to the major-league club. Belisario was an afterthought when he joined the club in Spring Training, even missing time due to visa troubles in his native Venezuela. The Dodgers also purchased the contracts of minor-leaguers Will Ohman and Doug Mientkiewicz, bringing them up to the big-leagues. To make room for the promotions, LA put Claudio Vargas on the 60-day disabled list and Delwyn Young on the 15-day DL. Greg Miller was released in order to make room on the 40-man roster.

Roster Moves: DeWitt Stays, Lindblom Goes

The Dodgers made more roster moves in preparation for the season opener. They sent Josh Lindblom, Brian Mazone, Juan Castro, Erick Threets and Luis Maza to the minors, specifically sending Lindblom to Double-A to be a starter. Blake DeWitt made the major-league roster, as well as Will Ohman, Ronald Belisario, and Ramon Troncoso. Doug Mientkiewicz is expected to make the roster tomorrow, but first the 40-man roster needs to be worked out so that he, Belisario, and Ohman can join the roster. Jason Schmidt was put on the 15-day disabled list, and Tanyon Sturtze was sent to the minors.

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' Debut Goes Smoothly

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6-2 in an exhibition, their first game of the year at Dodger Stadium. Casey Blake had a two-run homer, and Andre Etheir had a solo shot and a triple. Manny Ramirez walked twice, singled, had an RBI and scored a run. James Loney had three hits, including a double, and Matt Kemp and Rafael Furcal both doubled. Randy Wolf pitched three innings, giving up only a run, and Will Ohman, Corey Wade, Guillermo Mota, Ronald Belisario, and Ramon Troncoso combined to pitch five scoreless innings of relief.

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 Sign Ohman

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Will Ohman to a one-year minor-league deal. The deal is a major-league in essence though, meant to give Ohman time to prepare, as he can opt-out if not called up by mid-April. The contract is worth $1.35 million plus incentives, with an option for 2010 worth $2.2 million. Ohman will fill the left-handed specialist role left vacant by Joe Beimal. Ohman pitched with Atlanta last season, going 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA. Ohman pitched in simulated-game for the Dodgers as a try-out during the weekend.

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: 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.