It is characteristically a long night when the starting pitcher does not get through 5.0 innings, and Evan Phillips was the worst reliever for LAD on the night. But on this night multiple players/pitchers clutched up to earn a hard fought win.
James Paxton’s command was better than his last outing (3 BB vs 8 BB), and he pitched better after the 2nd. 2 runners in the 1st inning and got out of it. In the 2nd, a double, an infield single (should Max had fielded that grounder?), and a perfectly executed bunt single and the Nats were on the board. With runners on 1st and 2nd, and CJ Abrams coming up, the Dodgers could have been in trouble. Instead, Paxton pitched his best against the Nats best, and struck out Abrams. As it turns out, it was his only K on the night. He got Lane Thomas on a line drive to Andy Pages in CF to end the inning.
After retiring the side in order in the 3rd, he walked Nick Senzel with one out in the 4th. Paxton promptly picked off Senzel who was going on first move and got out of the 4th.
In the 5th, Paxton got the first two outs, but Lane Thomas singled and stole 2nd. After resting for 8 days, it sure appeared as if he hit a wall as he walked Jessie Winker on his 91st pitch. Doc went to Michael Grove to get out of the inning, and Grove got Joey Meneses to fly out.
In the meantime, Patrick Corbin was unusually tough on the Dodgers hitters. After 5.1 innings and 86 pitches, Mgr. Dave Martinez went to the pen and brought in RHRP Derek Law. With 2 outs, Teoscar Hernández hit a ground ball single just out of range of Abrams. Max Muncy drew a BB putting another runner in scoring position with the bottom of the order coming up. Usually this has not gone well, but in this game Kiké Hernández lined an game tying RBI single to score Teoscar.
Grove and Alex Vesia, pitching the best he has all year, pitched two scoreless innings, putting the Dodgers at the plate in the 8th.
In the 8th, with the hard throwing RHRP Hunter Harvey on the bump, Teoscar started the rally again, this time with a 7 pitch BB after getting down 1-2. After Max Muncy popped out, Doc sent up James Outman to face Harvey. Teoscar stole 2B, so James had a RISP. On a 2-2 pitch, Hunter hung a splitter, and Outman did not miss it. He lined the pitch into RF, and used his legs to stretch it into a double. Outman got the RBI, but just as important, was aggressive with his legs and got to 2nd. Nice short swing through the zone.
James Outman truthers were rewarded today.
pic.twitter.com/ECAZAazHX5— Klein25 (@Klein25) April 24, 2024
After Andy Pages flew out to RF, Miguel Rojas came to the plate. Miggy Ro had already singled once in the game, and this time he hit an RBI single to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead.
Daniel Hudson threw a lot of pitches (27) pitched a scoreless 8th.
Shohei Ohtani led off the 9th and absolutely demolished a splitter that broke middle middle. He hit the ball 118.7 MPH, the hardest hit ball this year in MLB. It went 2nd deck 450 feet. Shohei Ohtani’s 118.7 mph HR is the Dodgers’ hardest-hit batted ball tracked by Statcast (2015)
SHOHEI OHTANI 119-MPH OFF THE BAT AND 450 FEET HOLY SHIT
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) April 24, 2024
Then the Dodgers closer came in to shut it down. That is what closers do, right? Evan Phillips struck out Nick Senzel on three pitches, getting him to chase a sweeper for strike 3. But then Evan lost his command. He walked Luis Garcia and Joey Gallo (10 pitches).
CJ Abrams jumped all over a cutter that was middle/inner half and lined a single into RF. Andy Pages came up with the ball and fired to 3B. The Nats 3B coach stopped the runner (Garcia) too late and he was caught in no man’s land. Instead of getting the sure out at 3B, Max fired the ball to Will Smith who made an incredible pick and got Garcia in a run down. So instead of the bases loaded with one out, the Nats had runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs.
Phillips then walked Eddie Rosario on 4 pitches, and was due to face Jesse Winker with the bases loaded. CJ Abrams is the best Nats hitter thus far, but Winker is not far behind. Phillips got a very favorable strike one call, but his next three pitches were balls. He got a called 2nd, and Phillips was 1 pitch away from closing the game or walking in a run. Winker fouled the next pitch, but swung threw a hanging sweeper to strike out and give the Dodgers a hard fought victory. This was Phillips’ 6th save, and hardest thus far.
- Last week, Will Smith threw out two base stealers in one game, and tonight two pitchers (James Paxton and Alex Vesia) each picked off a runner.
- The Dodgers were 3-10 WRISP, and all 3 coming from the bottom third of the order – Kiké Hernández, James Outman, Miguel Rojas.
- Teoscar Hernández started two rallies and scored 2 of the 4 runs.
- Freddie 2-4 with a BB, and another double.
- James Outman has been hitting into a lot of bad luck (and yes has struck out a lot). It is hard enough hitting a pitched ball when being in the game, but it is especially hard coming in cold off the bench with a very good reliever on the hill. With two strikes, he shortened his swing and got the hit. He didn’t stop at first, but stretched it into a double and in position to score on Rojas’s single.
- Miguel Rojas was 2-4, and now hitting .281/.324/.500/.824. He could be getting closer to bumping Lux against some RHP. Rojas is doing well as a reserve, and that should be taken into consideration. But if he continues to hit, and Lux continues to struggle, I could see a change.
- Game 2 – Rematch of Landon Knack vs Jake Irvin. Last time Irvin shut out the Dodgers for 6.0 innings and 73 pitches. Knack was near unhittable after the first 6 batters.
- Colorado beat San Diego giving the Dodgers a 1.5 game lead. Both Arizona and San Francisco won and remain 2.0 games back.
Interview of James Outman by Kirsten Watson – Love how he changes the discussion from himself to Shohei.
"Trying to do my best to get the job done whenever I could, and it felt good to come through there." James Outman with @kirsten_watson on his go-ahead double. pic.twitter.com/DyHsFJIlKN
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 24, 2024
MiLB GAME SUMMARY REPORTS
OKC Baseball Club 17 – Albuquerque Isotopes (Colorado) 13
lbuquerque is an absolute launching pad, and even the best pitchers get assaulted. Albuquerque was up 12-3 after five innings. OKC scored 14 runs in the last 4 innings, including 9 in the 8th.
There was way too much action to go hit by hit/pitch by pitch.
Every OKC hitter had at least 1 hit, 4 had 3 hits. They had 9 XBH. 8 OKC hitters scored at least 1 run, with 6 scoring at least 2. Every OKC hitter had at least 1 RBI.
- Drew Avans – 2-5, 1 BB, 3 runs, 1 RBI
- Miguel Vargas – 3-6, 3 runs, 2 RBI, HR (4)
- Trey Sweeney – 3-5, 1 BB, 3 runs, 1 RBI, 2 doubles (6)
- Kevin Padlo – 1-4, 2 BB, 1 RBI, double (6)
- Andre Lipcius – 3-6, 1 run, 2 RBI,
- Hunter Feduccia – 3-6, 2 runs, 4 RBI, double (4), triple (1)
- Kody Hoese – 1-5, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Jonathan Araúz – 2-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, double (6), triple (1)
- Chris Owings – 1-3, 2 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI, HR (2)
Blake Treinen made his first rehab assignment, and it did not go well. He pitched 0.1 innings, 3 hits and 3 runs.
Looking at the score, pitching was not very good in this one.
Cross your fingers and toes for Walker Buehler as he attempts to continue his rehab in this environment.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals (KC) 9 – Tulsa Drillers 5
NWA scored 4 in the first inning off Justin Wrobleski. He gave up a single and double for 1 run, and a 3-run HR. Wrobleski retired 11 of the next 12 batters. In the 5th, the first two batters singled, with the first runner reaching 3B, scoring on a sac fly. Sauryn Lao relieved Wrobleski and got out of the inning with a pair of Ks.
Jack Dreyer continued to excel retiring the side in order with 2 Ks.
Tulsa started to claw back with two in the 2nd. Brandon Lewis hit a solo HR (2), and Austin Gauthier doubled and scored on a Taylor Young single.
Tulsa got a run closer with an Austin Beck solo HR (3).
Tulsa got all the way back with an Austin Gauthier 2-run HR in the 7th.
In the 8th, Ryan Sublette was summoned. Two BB, one HBP, and a grand slam put NWA back out in front.
- Austin Gauthier – 3-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI, double (2), HR (2)
- Brandon Lewis – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, HR (2)
- Austin Beck – 1-4, 1 run, 1 RBO, HR (2)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7 – Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres) 2
Garrett McDaniels was the starter for RC and completed the first 4 scoreless innings. In the top of the 5th, a walk, single, flyout moving the runners to 2nd and 3rd, and a Dillon Head singled both runners home. Cam Day relieved McDaniels and got the final out.
With one out in the bottom of the 5th, Kendall George (back in the lineup as DH), singled, Jeral Perez singled. Josue De Paula singled to score George, and Jake Gelof doubled to score Perez with the tying run.
Day finished the game (4.1 IP) without allowing a run.
In the 7th, Jeral Perez drew a BB, and De Paula doubled him to 3rd. Jake Gelof hit his second double of the game scoring 2. Gelof came home on a Joe Vetrano single.
In the 8th Perez and De Paula doubled with Perez scoring. Gelof singled home De Paula for the final run.
- Jake Gelof – 3-5, 1 run, 4 RBI, 2 doubles (4)
- Josue De Paula – 3-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2 doubles (5)
- Jeral Perez – 2-4, 1 BB, 3 runs, double (5)
- Kendall George – 2-5, 1 run
- Joe Vetrano – 2-3, 1 BB, 1 RBI
Thanks for the farm reports. I wonder which guys might get called up with this year, which next year, which might be dealt … I figure the best of the Rancho guys might start showing up in ’26.
Nice to see Outman come through in a big moment today. And Rojas had two more hits, which should solidify his standing as the starter against lefties. (If Lux doesn’t start hitting righties, Rojas could have the job full-time again.)
And then there’s Shohei…
That HR was amazing. Before the season started, there were suggestions that Shohei, being able to focus on hitting full-time in a powerhouse lineup, could go after a Triple Crown. Based on his history, I figured he had excellent shot at the HR and RBI titles, but that it would be unlikely for a slugger like him to lead in BA….
Well now he is leading the majors in BA at .364. He now has 6 HR, and I expect the power surge will continue. He has struggled with RISP–perhaps pressing–but that should change.
Rojas should play 3rd against lefties.
Are you saying you’d bench Max and play Lux? Not arguing, just want to make sure I understand what you’re suggesting.
Yes. Lux needs to get his 100+ at bats asap and meanwhile he will be giving the Dodgers good defense at second and Betts won’t be bouncing back and forth between ss and 2b.
I like this idea Fred.
What was wrong with George?
Something with his leg. Probably more precaution.
Ronan Kopp joins Tulsa. Big news.
Anyone know how Gelof defense at 3b has been so far this year?
Awful. five errors in 36 chances
. .861
How is Hoese doing defensively at 3rd?
Don’t make the same mistake they made with Vargas and Busch. Stick him in LF now. Or maybe he is more like his brother and can handle 2B. But IMO, the Dodgers will not need a 2B next year and for awhile after that (maybe not this year) Plus Jeral Perez probably has 2B locked down at that level. He is 3 years younger than Gelof, his outhitting him, and is a better defender. Perez has played some 3B, maybe they should switch. Perez is a 50 defender at 2B and a 45+ defender at 3B. Not a lot of difference. IMO, don’t wait. Stick him in LF and just let him hit to see if that bat really is a MLB bat.
I agree with Dionysus that Gelof needs to move up. But maybe so does Perez (and others). Gelof needs to see more velo up in the zone to see if he can catch up to it.
Jeral Perez – Remember him.
He’ll, I almost want to put Lux in LF
Not a chance.
I’d move (trade) Gelof now while his value is still fairly high.
I don’t see him as an outfielder and we have George, Hope and DePaula coming in the next 2-3 years, along with Outman and Pages who are already here. Let’s make Gelof one prospect that we don’t hold on to too long.
And yes, Perez looks like one worth watching.
Meanwhile most of our spectacular catching prospects are having pretty lousy beginnings to their 2024 seasons.
Gelof needs to produce more at higher levels before he becomes more valuable in a trade. Right now I do not know what value he has. MLB Pipeline has him as a 45, Fangraphs has him as a 40, and Baseball America has him as a 45 with high risk. Right now he is a lottery ticket throw in.
This is an area I would love to sit down with execs to learn how to value, where to add value, where value is compromised.
Yep, looks like a 1B or DH
He needs to be moved up soon to challenge him
With those two position options he needs to be moved to another team soon. Freeman and Ohtani have him blocked for the net few years. But, maybe he can drastically improve his defense at 3B in time for Muncy’s departure..
*Hey Doc, did you see the cool play the Nats ran with the 9 hole hitter? With a runner on 3rd base, the batter bunted the ball allowing the runner to score and as a bonus, Mookie was late to first, so it was an RBI and a base hit. It looks indefensible to pick up a run at the bottom of the order. I think they called the play a “Safety Squeeze”. I wonder if we could do that?
*Actually good for Doc stealing a couple of bases. Well not really him, but you know what I mean.
*Good win. Paxton isn’t sharp but he keeps us in games. He needs to cut down on the walks and get deeper into games so we don’t throw 5 pitchers or more every game. I think he’s too rested to stay sharp.
*How did we leave him out yesterday with the nicknames? “The Big Maple” is a good one.
*Do outfielders practice throwing to bases anymore? The Nats right fielder came up throwing to get Outman at home, whiffed on the cut guy and the throw ended up about 20 feet up the third base line in no-man’s land, allowing Rojas to waltz into 2nd. That looks like bad co-ed slo-pitch softball. It’s just bad baseball, yet I see ill-advised, lousy throws to nowhere, daily.
*I hope to see a healthy Graterol and Treinen back soon. Hudson just has no swing and miss, gives up a million foul balls and throws too many pitches.
*Ohtani is amazing in his ability to swing from his ass and not pull his head. His eyes stay fixed on the baseball while his bat speed is hyper speed. Not many players can or could ever do that.
*We are a better team right now with Rojas in the lineup. And he has reverse splits, hitting .308 vs RHP. I’m unsure he needs to be in a platoon situation right now but Lux is going to get his at bats from someone.
Your comment about outfielders not being able to throw is spot on. I’ve noticed the same thing for years. When I was a college outfielder we practiced hitting the cutoff man ALL THE TIME. It was part of being an outfielder. Also— in general, right fielders and center fielders typically had excellent arms. Doesn’t seem as important now. I’ve said this before but while I believe the athleticism is better in todays game, being a complete player seems a lot more rare.
Trammel did the same thing during his short stint with the Dodgers. Instead of throwing the ball to second base he was way off line, allowing the runner to go from first to second. Seemed very lackadaisical at the time.
Paxton does limit runs. He also walks too many, but he is a #5 rotation pitcher. And with a 2.61 ERA. Could the Dodgers be their own worst enemy with as much rest as they are giving Paxton? They want to give him the rest because of his prior injury concerns. But he can’t be sharp without a consistent and cohesive rotational plan, can he? Starting pitchers love routine. Many insist on it. If the Dodgers were concerned about his injuries, why sign him? They did sign him (and I have always been on board with it), so let him pitch.
Jacob Young laid down a perfect bunt. It was a beauty, and with his speed, he is not going to get thrown out . I have spouted the same thing. Why don’t CT3 and Lux bunt? CT3 is now the worst hitter in MLB with pitches middle/middle and up. That is all he is going to see with his exaggerated upper cut swing. Do something different.
Jeff, I’ve said that Barnes should be the best bunter in baseball. He increases his value to the offense in the 9 hole by laying down bunts and moving runners just as you’ve suggested for CT3 and Lux.
It’s called manufacturing opportunities for the top of the order.
I know people distain giving up an out but all too frequently our 6 – 9 guys give up outs with unproductive at bats. Force the issue and bunt the ball in the appropriate situations. It’s just good, winning, baseball.
I haven’t missed CT3 in the lineup. He needs to yank a groin, rehab, and work his issues at Camelback.
It looks like others believe in the marketability of Shohei Ohtani. A luxury resort in the early development stage has offered Shohei his choice of prime real estate lots in the Hapuna Estates in the Mauna Kea resort of the Big Island, Hawaii.. The cost? Being named the first resident of the new luxury community. The development will deed him the lot but he will have to build his house.
The lots start at $4.9MM. Ohtani plans on constructing a 5,000 sq. ft. home on the lot he has chosen. It is a 14 lot development, all with ocean views, with the price tag estimated to average in excess of $17MM.
He will now be considered a resident in Hawaii.
Now there’s a company that knows how to market.
They’ll sell most of those 14 lots to Japanese citizens within the next couple months.
Come to Rocky Point, Mexico–I have some properties to sell you . . .
The Athletic took a survey among 40 MLB front office executives, asking them to rate the 5 best MLB front offices, assigning point values based on position.
19 of the 40 responders rated the Dodgers #1.
Rays were a fairly close second and then a major drop off to #3 which was the Braves.
If I recall correctly, the question was something to the effect of which front office uses its resources best, so the fact that Andrew has billions to work with wasn’t really a factor.
I sure would like to see the raw data. What were the categories being evaluated?
As far as I can tell, these were the only instructions:
“For this exercise, The Athletic canvassed 40 executives across the sport. Many had experience as the primary decision-maker for a team, either in the past or the present. We asked each executive to rank the top five front offices in baseball and assigned a point value to each position — 10 points for first place, seven points for second place, five points for third, three points for fourth and one point for fifth. The answers spanned big markets and small. Some of these franchises have experienced incredible turnover. Some are the model of stability. Some of these front office groups have been doing this for quite a while. And some are just getting started.”
So it wasn’t rating various categories, just one rating of “Best 1-5”
It’s just a great time to be a Dodgers fan.
Buehler getting knocked around a bit in Albuquerque. Anyone watching todays game, Karros was wrong about Smith never having a 5 hit game. Will Smith became the first Dodger ever too have a 5 hit game in the post season when he went 5-6 against the Padres in game three of the 2020 NLDS. He scored one, drove in three. Two of his 5 hits were doubles.
The Dodgers now have a Knack for winning
Great to see Knack battle through that 2nd inning. After Senzel’s HR, he walked a batter and hit the next with a pitch. He seemed to be unraveling, but got it together for a quality W.
Quite the hit parade today. Twenty in all, with Mookie, Shohei and Smith combining for 11.
So here’s how the MLB batting rankings look now:
1–Shohei at .371
2–Mookie at .365
4–Will at .352
Come on, Freddie…. shouldn’t you be up there too?
Perhaps this was a breakthrough game for Lux, with 2 hits and 2 RBI.
Pages continues to impress, with 3 hits, including another homer. He has a chance to force his way into the everyday lineup, even after Heyward returns.
Max also had a good day, with two hits bringing his BA up to .241 and OPS to .811, compared to Teoscar’s .789.
Among the bottom third of the order, only Outman was hitless. But there was a small silver lining in his 0 for 5 day: not a single K. (Not really worried about Freddie, but he struck out twice.)
Well done, Bums.
He’s had a bad inning in each of his two starts but come back from both of them. That’s a good sign. I like what I’ve seen from him.
Based on how Buehler’s rehab is going, I think we’re better off keeping Knack here for awhile and WB in OKC or wherever. No reason to rush him back.
If Pages keeps this up, Dodgers are going to have a tough decision to make when Jay-Hey comes off of the IL. Both Outman and Taylor at risk.