It looks like we’re already looking past this year. Hard to argue with that notion. Here’s how Thursday went on in the world of Dodger baseball.
- The 2021 MLB regular season schedule was released Thursday morning.
The 2021 @MLB regular season schedule will begin with all 30 Clubs scheduled to play on Thursday, April 1st; @Mets & @Yankees to play on 9/11 for first time in observation of 20th anniversary. pic.twitter.com/4jHIptbIWf
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) July 9, 2020
The most notable highlight of next year’s schedule is the Dodgers facing the infamous Astros again, but this time, possibly, with fans in the stands.
The 2021 schedule is out!
The #Dodgers open on the road in Coors Field against the #Rockies on April 1st.
They will be facing teams from the AL West in interleague matchups including @ Houston 5/25-5/26 and vs Houston 8/3-8/4. The final 3 games are at home vs MIL 8/1-8/3 pic.twitter.com/iDuwe9ql2g— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) July 9, 2020
The Dodgers start the season with a seven game road trip in Colorado and Oakland before their home opener against the Nationals. Also, the Dodgers will play at home on Jackie Robinson Day, which is always fitting. They’ll end the season on a six game homestand against the Padres and Brewers. Playing at home for an extended amount of time to end the season can be highly advantageous, depending on the team’s predicament if there is one.
- Dodgers Spanish play by play announcer, Jaime Jarrin, was announced as a nominee for the Radio Hall of Fame. He’s been calling Dodger games going back 61 seasons since 1959. He’s been inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and is part of the Dodgers Ring of Honor that celebrates the franchise’s most notable icons.
- Cody Bellinger held a Zoom presser yesterday, and here are some highlights.
Some highlights from @Cody_Bellinger's presser:
– Never a question he was going to play this season.
– Doesn't have issue wearing a mask, unless you have bad breath.
– Batter's eye is too low and some seats aren't covered. #Dodgers taking input from players and making changes. https://t.co/4w3n9BrLWN— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) July 9, 2020
- Dave Roberts and Co. have discussed alternate options for closing out games if Jansen isn’t ready to open the season. Regardless, Doc feels it’s too early to reveal any names that would fill the closer role.
- The Dodgers added two more prospects to the 60 man pool. Brett de Geus was drafted in the 33rd round of the 2017 MLB draft by L.A but didn’t see any action until 2018. His second year of pro ball was impressive. He posted a 1.75 ERA in 61.2 innings across both the Dodgers mid-level minor league affiliates in 2019. Brett racked up 72 strikeouts while averaging less than one walk or hit allowed per innings pitched. Jake Vogel was the Dodgers third round pick of this year’s MLB draft. Here’s a quick snippet from Baseball America’s scouting report:
Previously a toolsy athlete with a questionable swing, Vogel began hitting this spring and raised his stock dramatically before the season shut down…Vogel has a feel for the barrel and produces loud contact when he connects, driving the ball to all fields and showing sneaky power to his pull-side.
Vogel is also known to be one of the fastest prospects from this year’s draft. Both he and de Geus are non-roster additions, so a transactional move would have to be made to add them to the 40 man to see any playing time. Both players can make valuable contributions if they were to see any playing time this season, but most importantly, they’ll get to play and develop under the team’s watchful eye.
Oskar is a writer for Dodgers-Lowdown. Follow him on Twitter @2Rawsko94. Graphic credit: Alberto Amezola, Jr.