The Los Angeles Dodgers resumed their spring training schedule with a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels and now wrap up the Dodger Stadium portion of the exhibition Freeway Series.
After Monday, the three-game series shifts to Angel Stadium for the finale on Tuesday night. The Dodgers then have one day off before they host the St. Louis Cardinals in the Dodger Stadium opener on Thursday.
Gavin Stone makes his final tuneup of the spring and looks to build on his previous success. In four Cactus League games (three starts), he allowed just one run and had nine strikeouts over 9.2 innings pitched.
Stone also threw 3.1 no-hit innings in an exhibition game against Team Korea and collected eight strikeouts during the relief appearance.
The right-hander revealed after the game that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had informed him earlier in the day about earning the fifth spot in the Opening Day rotation.
“I’m incredibly thankful for that and the opportunity that they’re giving me. Very appreciative. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of it,” Stone said.
After his outing against the Angels, Stone’s next start could come in the Dodgers’ series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals on an extra day of rest.
Dodgers prospect Zyhir Hope, who was acquired in the trade that sent Michael Busch to the Chicago Cubs, is among the other pitchers expected to take the mound against the Angels. So too are Ryan Yarbrough, Joe Kelly, Daniel Hudson, and Alex Vesia.
The Angels counter with Reid Detmers, who looks to finish Spring Training on a strong note. He went 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts in 13.1 innings pitched during Cactus League play (four starts).
The left-hander endured an inconsistent 2023 season but is slotted to be the No. 3 starter in the Angels’ Opening Day starting rotation.
With a southpaw on the mound, the Dodgers lineup features a wrinkle of Mookie Betts moving back to second base so Miguel Rojas can start at shortstop.
Additional platoon matchups have Chris Taylor in left field, Kiké Hernández starting in center field, and Teoscar Hernández over in right field.
Dodgers lineup
2B: Mookie BettsDH: Shohei Ohtani1B: Freddie FreemanC: Will Smith3B: Max MuncyRF: Teoscar Hernández; CF: Kiké HernándezLF: Chris TaylorSS: Miguel Rojas
Angels lineup
DH: Anthony RendonRF: Aaron HicksCF: Mike TroutLF: Taylor Ward; 2B: Brandon Drury B: Nolan Schanuel; 3B: Miguel SanóC: Logan O’HoppeSS: Zach Neto