Pre-Game Notes And News: Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Here’s a brief look at everything Dodgers prior to tonight’s game against the Brewers.

• Major League Baseball, The National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer have collectively agreed to restrict non-organizational players and personnel from entering locker rooms and to designate areas for pressers and media interaction. The Dodgers have not publicly announced any venue restrictions or change of locations for any upcoming games whether during the Cactus League or regular season. Other teams in baseball and other sports have restricted crowds into stadiums for games or changed venues. This morning, the World Health Organization declared a world pandemic in regards to the coronavirus (COVID-19). With this announcement, the chances of the Dodgers making alterations for upcoming games are very likely.
• Andrew Friedman doesn’t know yet whether games will be played with no one in the stands. He says they’ve put “a lot of time and energy” into figuring what to do. He adds “Things are changing. It’s obviously very fluid.”
• The Dodgers made a wave of roster cuts on Sunday and Monday. Altogether they optioned pitcher Josh Sborz, catcher Keibert Ruiz, infielder Zach McKinstry, outfielders DJ Peters and Luke Raley to minor league camp. And reassigned catcher Steve Berman, infielders Cristian Santana, Jacob Amaya, and Omar Estevez, pitchers Kyle Lobstein, Tyler Gilbert, Marshall Kasowski, Jordan Sheffield, and Brett de Gues to minor league camp as well. The players that were optioned are on the 40 man roster and can be called up to the major league active roster. The players reassigned are not on the 40 man roster and will likely play out their season in the minors. The Dodgers now have 44 players in spring training camp.
• Clayton Kershaw played in a minor league game on Monday. He pitched 4 innings, striking out 4 and walked 2. Gavin Lux, 2019 first-round pick Kody Hoese, and Will Smith also played in the game with Kershaw.
• Walker Buehler will make his 3rd start tonight. He’s set to go four innings.
• Kenley Jansen is listed to play tonight. It’ll be his 6th appearance this spring. So far, he’s allowed 1 run, 3 hits, and no walks while striking out 10 in 5.0 innings pitched.
• Mookie Betts lost 3 to 4 pounds while sick with food poisoning. He’s back in the lineup tonight.
• Joc Pederson is progressing in his rehabilitation and will likely play in his first Cactus League game next week. Regardless, Doc has no doubts Joc will be on the opening day roster.
• MLB Pipeline announced it’s pre-season 2020 farm system rankings. The Dodgers were listed as having the 3rd best farm in baseball.

The ability of the Dodgers to have such high success on the field while maintaining a top 10 farm system over the years is truly remarkable. pic.twitter.com/mNtODrk538

— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) March 10, 2020

The Dodgers are the only organization that has sat in the top 10 of every ranking (pre-season and mid-season) since Andrew Friedman took over as president of baseball operations.

• Here’s tonight’s starting lineup:

Here's tonight's starting lineup for your @Dodgers! #ITFDB #LetsGoDodgers #BringItHome

1. Mookie Betts RF
2. Max Muncy 1B
3. Justin Turner 3B
4. Cody Bellinger CF
5. Corey Seager SS
6. AJ Pollock LF
7. Chris Taylor 2B
8. Gavin Lux DH
9. Austin Barnes C

Walker Buehler P pic.twitter.com/YnaIrRQEVT

— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) March 11, 2020

Oskar is a writer/editor for Dodgers-Lowdown. Follow him on Twitter @2Rawsko94. Graphic credit: Alberto