Dodgers go lineup shuffling yet again
Chris Heisey, left, started in place of Joc Pederson in center field for the Dodgers on June 7 during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
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Another day, another lineup?
It only seems Manager Don Mattingly trots out a different one every day, though Tuesday’s is at least interesting:
CF – Chris Heisey
RF – Yasiel Puig
1B – Adrian Gonzalez
2B – Howie Kendrick
LF – Alex Guerrero
C – Yasmani Grandal
SS – Enrique Hernandez
3B – Alberto Callaspo
SP – Carlos Frias
Tuesday marks the Dodgers’ 59th game of the season and this is Mattingly’s 47th different lineup. Last season he used 124 lineups in the 162 games.
Tuesday’s creation was brought about partially because of injury (Justin Turner), fatigue (Joc Pederson) and the fact Arizona is starting a left-hander (Robbie Ray). Jimmy Rollins had started each of the last 18 games but the opener of the June 2 doubleheader in Denver.
Turner fouled a ball off his left kneecap Monday. He was getting treatment before the game and Mattingly hoped he would be available later to pinch-hit.
After Pederson hit five home runs in his last five road games (seven for 20 overall), he has cooled off at home, going two for 18. Tuesday, however, is Joc Pederson T-shirt night.
“I was trying to wait for the off day, but he looks a little bit worn down, beat up,” Mattingly said. “I’ll try to give him a day today and then the off day Thursday.”
Several other Dodgers are getting closer to healthy. Mattingly said pitchers Brandon League (shoulder) will make a second rehab appearance for Class A Rancho Cucamonga Wednesday, Joel Peralta (right shoulder soreness) will make his first one for Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday and Brandon Beachy will pitch in a simulated game at the team training facility in Phoenix on Friday.
Mattingly said Carl Crawford (oblique) has started running.
“He got over the hump and is doing more and more stuff,” Mattingly said. “He’ll be doing a lot more now.”
And he said outfielder Scott Van Slyke (back inflammation) will likely play a couple of rehab games before being activated Sunday.
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