Landing With A Thud

The Los Angeles Dodgers out of this world pitching came crashing to earth with a thud in a 12-6 loss to the San Francisco Giants last night. Alex Wood gave up five runs in five innings and then the relievers came on to give up seven runs in three innings. The only reliever who did not get lit up like a Christmas tree was Louis Coleman who pitched one and one-third innings and only gave up a walk.

Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig, and Joc Pederson all remain on a tear for the Dodgers. Pederson was given a vote of confidence by Manager Dave Roberts in spring training and he hit his first homerun and now has five runs batted in in the first four games. Gonzalez his batting .500 with four RBI's and Puig is batting .533 with two triples. The Dodgers are averaging almost eight runs a game in the early going.

An Injury Depleted Roster

The Los Angeles Dodgers are starting the season with ten players on the Disabled List including three starting pitchers- Brandon McCarthy, Brett Anderson, and Hyun-Jin Ryu- and three starting position players- left fielder Andre Ethier, second baseman Howie Kendrick, and catcher Yasmani Grandal.

All of the injuries allowed some rookies to open the season with the Dodgers. The Dodgers opening day roster includes three rookies- shortstop Corey Seager, outfielder Trayce Thompson, and Ross Stripling who earned the role of the Dodgers fifth starter. Non-roster invitee utilityman Charlie Culberson also made the roster with a solid spring at the plate and he showed the ability to play multiple positions. A late addition to the Dodgers pitching staff, reliever Louis Coleman also made the roster as it was decided to option left hander Luis Avilan to AAA Oklahoma City. Coleman was signed right as camp opened.