Tim Rogers
The Dodgers continued their 2021 exhibition season against the Rangers on Sunday, March 7th. The lineup had prospects Sheldon Neuse, Zach Reks, and DJ Peters with pitchers Garrett Cleavinger and Gerardo Carrillo scheduled to appear.
Position Player Highlights
DJ Peters, who got the start in centerfield, continues to impress us all as he played the whole game and hit another absolute bomb. the way things are going the Dodgers will take two of three from Matt Beaty, Zach McKinstry, and Peters. Peters’ big advantage over the other two is that he is a righthanded bat. I think Peters is probably the odd man out initially but the impression he is making is a good one. He very well could be the first position player brought up from Triple-A or he could be on the taxi squad.
Sheldon Neuse was the starting designated hitter and got three plate appearances. His lone hit was a nice RBI single through the gaping hole between first and second base. After Peters, Neuse is a candidate to be called up soon. His versatility will play well with the Dodgers and they do need righthanded bats on the bench.
James Outman continues to get playing time, this time in relief of Mookie Betts in rightfield. Clearly, the Dodgers are seeing something in him that goes beyond the statistics. Today he walked and had a line-drive single to rightfield. His athleticism plays up for sure and he can play all three outfield positions. The Triple-A roster is filled with outfielders but Outman could breakthrough.
Pitcher Highlights
Garrett Cleavinger is battling with Alex Vesia and Scott Alexander for a lefty bullpen spot and nothing he did today hurt him. He struck out Khris Davis then allowed a bloop single. He then proceeded to get a strike-em-out-throw-em-out against Nate Lowe. With each appearance, he’s been gaining ground. It would not surprise me to see him make the Opening Day roster.
Finally, we got to see Gerardo Carrillo on the mound. I was beginning to wonder where he was. He started off with a walk but settled down with a strikeout. He did give up a hit but it looked like a blooper. It’s a good start for him.
Gerardo Carrillo sacó una entrada de relevo hoy ante los Rangers. En su labor, permitió un hit sin carrera, regaló una base y ponchó a un rival. pic.twitter.com/20JnnzA6xL
— Serpentineros (@Serpentineros) March 7, 2021
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers play the White Sox at 12:05 PM PST with Julio Urías on the mound. We are a little more than three weeks away from Opening Day so the roster battles will keep heating up.
