Here’s a quick recap of Dodger news prior to tonight’s game against the Rays.
- Rich Hill’s MRI showed no structural damage. How well he’ll pitch could depend on his pain tolerance. He threw off the mound in the bullpen, testing some new mechanics and how his knee would react. The bullpen session went well enough that it’s been speculated he’ll pitch before the week is over.
- Tonight’s game will be exclusively on YouTube. Nomar Garciaparra and Alanna Rizzo will be a part of the broadcast team along with Melvin Upton, Jr, and Scott Braun.
- It was announced that Ross Stripling will be on the postseason roster. Although he was scratched from starting tonight, he’ll pitch the bulk of the innings as Caleb Ferguson will serve as the “opener”.
- Alex Verdugo further validated he won’t be ready for the National League Divisional Series. He’s eyeing to be available for the NL Championship Series.
- Turner not being in the lineup tonight is purely a precautionary move to help him reach as close to 100% as possible. He mentioned that if it were the playoffs, he’d be in the lineup.
- Ken Gurnick tweeted that Cody Bellinger was putting in extra work during batting practice. He was focusing on hitting balls towards the left side of the field. To start the day, he’s ranked 135th amongst 150 left-handed hitters with at least 190 plate appearances in hitting the ball to the opposite field. Only 2 Dodger lefties rank lower than him – Matt Beaty and Joc Pederson.
Oskar is a contributor to Dodgers-LowDown. Follow him on Twitter @2rawsko94