As per usual, when the Dodgers are winning, the fans are cool, when they lose a game, especially one where the offense takes a night off, the fans pile on. But that is what fans do. Fans also are not big on bullpen games. Well, the Dodgers lost to the Giants on what some call a bullpen game Wednesday night, and the offense also sputtered.
But in reality, it wasn’t a bullpen game in the exact sense. Two pitchers were called up from OKC to try and give the rest of the staff a blow in this stretch of 13 consecutive games.
The Giants had their best pitcher going last night. Logan Webb is the team’s Ace. He has not been having a great year so far. But last night, after loading the bases with just one out, he stopped the Dodgers cold in their tracks. Although he allowed three hits and walked three, he kept the Dodgers off of the board.
Meanwhile, Elieser Hernandez, just up from OKC, did a very good job keeping the score close. The Giants first two runs scored on a Mike Yastrzemski homer. A ball that would have been an out in most ballparks, but because of the dimensions at Oracle Park, it was a homer.
Matos, the Giants center fielder, made a great catch on a ball hit by Teoscar Hernandez that was over the fence in left center field. He and Lux were the only two players in the bottom five who hit a ball hard. Muncy, Hernandez and Pages all struck out twice.
Both Muncy and Hernandez struck out when the Dodgers loaded the bases in the first inning. This is something the Dodgers need to fix. Too many times this year they have loaded the bases with less than two outs and failed to score. Quite the opposite of last season when they hit 11 grand slam home runs.
They have two this season, both during this hot stretch they have had. Muncy on the last homestand, and Teoscar in San Diego over the weekend.
So, what can they do to make the offense better? Many want them to cut Chris Taylor and send Outman back to AAA. The latter will probably happen by the weekend if Jason Heyward gets activated.
Heyward went 0-3 Wednesday night in OKC, but he did draw a walk, and he did not strike out. Normally, one would see Pages as the logical choice to be demoted. But he is playing solid defense no matter where he plays, and although he has slumped some, he still is hitting 100 points higher than Outman.
Taylor has one more season at 13 mil plus a buyout left on his contract along with the money owed the rest of this season. The thing is that the front office values his versatility on the field, and so fat have shown little interest in getting rid of him. Miguel Vargas, who probably at this point deserves to be called up and get a shot at playing, is only an outfielder at this time.
Yes, he played some second base when he first came up, and he has had limited time at third. But there really is not an opening for him to play either of those positions. And to see what he can really do, he needs to be given the same chance that Pages got, in other words, to start every day.
Unless they DFA Taylor, or CT-3 agrees to a minor league assignment or some phantom injury comes up, I do not see that happening.
What I do see is AF exploring the options the team might have to upgrade the offense some, and if a feasible deal comes along, then he will make a move. The best solution for Taylor would be a trade somewhere he could get steady at bats. He has only played one game here in May.
But don’t expect a blockbuster deal, or some wild trade where they send a bunch of prospects for a relief pitcher because that won’t happen. But changes will come, just not right away.
MiLB Game Summary Reports
Sacramento River Cats (Giants) 8 – OKC Baseball Club 0
Hyun-il Choi back up with OKC. His game tonight was not nearly as effective as his last AAA game. He allowed 5 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, 1 walk, and 2 HRs. Stephen Gonsalves gave up 2 in 1.0 IP, while John Rooney gave up a run in 2.0 IP. Rooney gave up 3 hits and also registered 3 Ks.
OKC was shut out on 6 hits. Andre Lipcius had 2 hits including his 7th double.
Miguel Vargas was 1-1 with 3 BB. Hunter Feduccia hit his 7th double.
Wichita Wind Surge (Twins) 11 – Tulsa Drillers 8
Tulsa scored 6 runs on a 2-run HR by Brendon Davis (3) and a Grand Slam by Austin Beck (5). Tulsa scored 2 in the 8th on a HBP, single, 2 BB, and a WP. Other than Jeisson Cabrera who made his 2024 debut tonight, and Ben Harris who had a scoreless 9th, the Drillers pitchers did not do well. After the game the season ERAs are:
- Yon Castro – 11.32
- Christian Suarez – 8.10
- Ryan Sublette – 7.36
- Ben Harris – 6.08
Other than the 2 HRs noted above, the Drillers had 2 singles.
Dayton Dragons (Reds) 11 – Great Lakes Loons 10
There was not much pitching in this one, so we can pass on that. The Loons jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first. Thayron Liranzo hit a solo HR, his 3rd of the year. Two walks and a 2-run Dylan Campbell double for the 3-0 lead.
Jacob Meador gave up 3 HRs for 4 runs in the 2nd, and the Dragons had a 4-3 lead.
GL reclaimed the lead in the 5th. Jake Vogel singled and Kyle Nevin drew a BB, and both scored on two throwing errors on the same ground ball.
GL got another on a single and 3 walks in the 6th.
In the bottom of the 6th, Dayton put up 7 runs. Jonathan Edwards allowed 6 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks but recorded 1 out. Madison Jeffrey allowed 1 additional run before the inning was over.
The Loons started to claw back in the 7th. Jake Gelof drew a BB and scored on a Chris Newell triple. Sam Mongelli walked. Nelson Quiroz singled home Newell with Mongelli moving to 2nd. Jake Vogel followed with a single to score Mongelli.
GL got close in the 9th. Sam Mongelli led off with a BB and Nelson Quiroz followed with a single. With one out, Kyle Nevin doubled home Mongelli and Quiroz moving to 3rd. Down by one, Great Lakes had runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. But Nick Biddison and Jake Gelof both struck out to end the game.
- Thayron Liranzo – 2-4, 2 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI, double (6), HR (3)
- Nelson Quiroz – 2-5, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Jake Vogel – 2-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Doubles – Dylan Campbell (6), Kyle Nevin (8)
- Triples – Chris Newell (1)
Chris Newell is an XBH machine. He has 27 hits in 126 AB (.214 BA), but 17 are XBH; 7 doubles, 1 triple, 9 HR. But 49 K in 152 PA (32.2%).
Inland Empire 66ers (LAA) 6 – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4
Payton Martin pitched well the first 3 innings. 2 walks and a single were the only baserunners for the 66ers. But in the 4th, Martin got the first batter out, but walked the next. The third batter of the inning slugged a 2-run HR and Martin was pulled for Garrett McDaniels who struck out the two batters he faced in the 4th.
RC scored in the 1st on a Josue De Paula BB, ground out, and Jordan Thompson single.
The Quakes went up 2-0 on a De Paula HR (2).
RC went back out in front in the 5th on back to back lead off singles by Wilman Diaz and Kendall George, On an attempted double steal, George was thrown out at the back end, while Diaz got to 3rd. Diaz scored on a De Paula sac fly. The Quakes scored an unearned run in the 7th.
McDaniels was breezing into the 8th. But a walk/SB sandwiched between 2 Ks left a runner on 2nd with 2 out. A double and single brought home the tying runs. David Tiburcio relieved McDaniels with 2 outs and a tie game. A WP, walk, and double plated the final two runs.
McDaniels struck out 10 in 4.1 IP.
- Kendall George – 2-5, 1 run
- Josue De Paula – 1-2, 2 BB, 2 runs, 2 RBI, HR (2)
- Jordan Thompson – 2-4, 1 run, double (6)
- Jefferson Valladares – 2-3
ACL Reds 4 – ACL Dodgers 3 – 10 innings
The Reds walked off the win. This was Joendry Vargas’ 2024 debut. He went 1-5 in his inaugural game in the US.
- Alexander Albertus – 1-3, 2 BB
- Angel Diaz – 2-4, 1 RBI
- Eduardo Quintero – 1-3, 1 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI, HR (1)
Seen enough of Outman, bring Heyward back, he sure cannot be worse, and he is a gold glove defender. Nice to see Taylor get a hit. But the whole offense stunk up the joint. Bullpen games are not fun to watch. Get to Montas early and take the pressure off of Paxton tomorrow. Feel bad for Sheehan, but that is one less injured pitcher to worry about. Just a blip for Glasnow, he could not hit his spots. De La Cruz is a very exciting player.
My concerns about why they didn’t plug Knack in were answered here, he had to wait 15 days and Wed was day 15. So instead they brought up Eliezer sp? as the 6th starter. That definitely was not a bullpen game as he went 6 innings. The idea they were going to do a bullpen game was just all speculation.
We all know they are using 5 days of rest, more when there is an off day. So the next time through I expect Knack, Hernandez or someone else they want to give a shot. Eventually they will have Miller as the 6th( or 7th?).
So looking at De La Cruz stats on fangraphs I’ve figured out how to pitch him. He strikes out 30.6% of the time and chases. So, throw the first one at his chin then hit the outside edges with breaking pitches, chin music again then strike him out on a Bugs Bunny change up. Easy peasy.
By the way, fangraphs has him listed at 6’2”, 150. That’s obviously wrong. I think he’s more like 6’6”, 140. He leads the league in skinny. So if fangraphs’ height stats are wrong, maybe my strategy for getting him out is wrong. Tell you what, just hit him in the knee with 98 mph fastballs and maybe he won’t be able steal bases. Or, just walk the guy in front of him. He can’t steal second if somebody is already there, right?
De La Cruz is an exciting player and surely needs to be held in check in order to stop the Reds offense. With their leadoff hitter with an average of .196 / .696 OPS and their #3 hitter hitting .182 / .539 OPS, De La Cruz has to get on base and create some chaos in order for their offense to be effective.
With the bottom four Dodger hitters last night with averages of .196, .083, .147, and .200 the odds for a Dodger win were reduced. But, with Glasnow on the bump and the five hitters at the top of the lineup it still gave the Dodgers a good chance for a victory. All the positives went out the window with Glasnow’s location issues and the top of the lineup going 2-12.
Sorry to see Sheehan going under the knife. This starting staff is in a state of turmoil right now. Stone has added some unexpected effective pitching though. I guess negatives with pitching injuries allows for opportunities for the youngsters to shine. Especially, early in the season.
Hopefully, Buehler can continue to get settled in. I would imagine having nearly two years off and a second TJ surgery it is a major mental and physical hurdle for Buehler to overcome. But, he’s tough, competitive, and knows how to pitch.
This starting staff can be awesome going into the playoffs if most of the infirmed can recover and build up arm strength. Possible starters to chose from are Glasnow, Yamamoto, Paxton, Miller, Kershaw, Buehler, and Stone. All they need are the best three for the postseason and put the rest in the BP.
Along with the above pitching outlook and the offense even somewhat showing up the Dodgers should have all the tools necessary to have a successful postseason.
Carry on.
*Wow, Glasnow, uncharacteristically, came out and didn’t have dick. I don’t know if it was the extra rest or if it was just one of those starts? Way too many center-cut pitches of all varieties. No life on the fastball, no bite on the breaking balls. Just flat. Mixed with getting too much of the plate is a poor recipe.
I had hopes that he would find it after the first, like Webb did last night, but the stuff got no better . At that point, a stud like Glasnow just wants to compete and minimize the casualties and keep his team in the game. To his credit, he completed 5 innings.
*What a useless run in the top of the 5th. Barnes just attempted a lazy, backhand pick, and the ball goes to the backstop.
De La Cruz who miraculous got to 3rd in the first place, on a walk and 2 stolen bases, scored.
*That’s at least 4 balls that when down as wild pitches, in the last couple of games, between Will and Barnes. The previous night, Will attempted a backhand and had one go thru the wickets, both to the screen.
*I really hate the way guys catch now with the knee on the ground, limiting lateral movement and exposing the catcher’s junk and inner thigh. Barnes does it less.
*From my Get Off My Lawn attitude after a loss, the lead off ass hole, Will Benson introduces himself to everybody as he steps to the plate, hits one out and acts like he just won the World Series. The A-hole is hitting .194. You’d think Sinatra, Led Zeppelin, Garth Brooks or Taylor Swift was entering the building. Back in the day that bullshit would earn a dot the next AB. It’s a new day.
*It’s not relevant, but help me out here, why pull Vesia after a strikeout and fly ball, in the 7th, for another LHP, to face De La Cruz? Was Vesia on a 27 Pitch count?
Also the De La Cruz delayed steal in the 7th was a gift. The guy is about 3.2 seconds on a straight steal. Why delay and give Barnes a chance?
*I’m laughing with the booth on the name Buck Farmer, an announcers nightmare.
Dodgers just traded for LHRP Anthony Banda. He was on a MiLB deal with Cleveland. In 12 games at AAA this year, he has 17.0 IP, 2.12 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 6 BB vs. 25 K (1.47/IP – 13.24 K/9). He does not need to be added to the 40 man.
Frances Romero, the leading authority on all things Cuban baseball related, says Vargas is coming, although not certain if he’ll be activated for tonight’s game.
Romero rarely gets things wrong, so with JHey and Vargas added, which of Pages, Outman, CT3 are removed.
I’m hoping they give Pages some more time before sending him back. Outman seems like a no-brainer and I would be surprised if CT said no if they asked him to go to OKC to work on his hitting.
Jason Heyward is in tonight’s starting lineup, as is Andy Pages.
Muncy to the IL with an oblique strain. Those rarely cure themselves in 10 days.
Vargas up, Outman to OKC.
Vanasco up, Ramirez to OKC.
Jared Karros has been promoted to Double-A and his making his Tulsa Drillers debut as the starter tonight
According to Doc, Muncy’s oblique strain is a Grade 1 and they hope he won’t be out too long. Translation – he might make it back by September. (I hope I’m kidding).
Kike and Rojas will cover 3B while Max is out.
Vargas will play outfield (LF) only and will start tomorrow.
Changes came faster than I thought.
Apparently the Dodgers have told OKC that Outman cannot hit LHP (Blake Snell). He is sitting in tonight’s game.
Apparently Nabil Crismatt said he has had enough of the LAD yoyo plan of their pitchers and has elected free agency.
How long is the leash on Lux. He is not getting it done.
Blake Treinen has some absolutely filthy stuff.
The movement on his pitches tonight was insane.
Good to see JHey hit one out.
Jeff, I loved the interview in the booth with Reggie and Matt. It was totally cool and then Ohtani goes yard. I knew they would give Karros a little business there since he was a Bruin.
The changes are here…
Looks like Pages will be CF full-time while Outman tries to revive his skills in OKC. Varga should essentially platoon with Heyward, with Teoscar will shuttle between and LF.
With Max injured, it looks like Kike will see most of the action at 3B. Too bad that Vargas is no longer considered viable at 3B or 2B. Roberts still has the problem of working Taylor into the lineup.
How good is Lipscius at 3B? If Max is out for a while, or if another injury happens, he could be in the mix.
Or if Taylor is willing to accept a visit to OKC…