Dodgers Edge Brewers as Roster Decisions Loom

The Los Angeles Dodgers squeaked past the Milwaukee Brewers 4–3 Monday afternoon at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona, in a relatively low-scoring contest compared to the offensive numbers both clubs have posted throughout spring play.

With just 17 days remaining before the start of the regular season, roster decisions are beginning to loom large in Dodgers camp. Earlier in the day, Los Angeles reassigned 12 players, with two heading to Triple-A Oklahoma City and ten more sent to minor league camp. The competition for remaining roster spots is tightening as spring training winds down.

Emmet Sheehan got the start for the Dodgers and delivered a performance that fell somewhere in the middle — neither dominant nor troubling. Over 2.1 innings, Sheehan allowed one run on two hits, walked three, and struck out two. It was a mixed outing for a pitcher expected to factor into the Dodgers’ starting rotation plans.

The game moved back and forth through the first seven innings as both teams scratched out runs, leaving the score tied 2–2 heading into the eighth.

Los Angeles broke the tie in the top of the eighth when a walk and two singles helped push the Dodgers ahead 4–2.

Dodgers pitching then shut the door, holding Milwaukee hitless and scoreless over their final two at-bats to secure the narrow victory and start the week in the win column.

Today’s Notes

Ryan Brothers Deliver in Relief – River Ryan and Ryder Ryan combined for six strikeouts out of the bullpen. Ryder struck out the side swinging in the eighth inning to keep the Milwaukee Brewers from threatening late.

Muncy Showing Early Form – Max Muncy went 2-for-3 with a run scored, a sign the veteran slugger may be ready to hit the ground running when the regular season begins for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Running Game an Issue – Milwaukee stole six bases against Dodgers pitching Monday, something the coaching staff will certainly take a look at.

Kim Injury at WBC – Hyeseong Kim suffered a left-hand injury while stealing a base for South Korea during the World Baseball Classic game against Taiwan. He was held out of the next game versus Australia, and the severity of the injury is still unknown. Kim had been competing for the Dodgers’ starting second base job, so the situation could affect early roster decisions.