Hong-Chih Kuo will get an inning of relief work today in an effort to test his left arm. He's been unavailable in the last 3 weeks due to stiffness in his triceps above his surgically-repaired left elbow. If he shows that he can be the shut-down reliever he's done flawlessly all year, it will be a huge lift for the Dodgers going into the playoffs.
A couple other notes for today's game as well. Chad Billingsley will get a couple innings of work to stay sharp for his start on Thursday in Game 2 of the playoffs, wherever that may be.
Finally, because of the iffy status of Kuo and Takashi Saito, Joe Torre said he will take a 11 pitchers on the 25-man playoff roster. If Jeff Kent stays on as a pinch-hitter (seems likely after his crushing homer last night), Pablo Ozuna could get some outfield work in an effort to find a spot for him. If he can't handle that, he could be one of the odd men out.
Showing posts with label Ozuna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ozuna. Show all posts
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
DeWitt is back while Ozuna walks
In an effort to do anything to shake up their anemic offense, the Dodgers have recalled Blake DeWitt from Triple-A Las Vegas and designated Pablo Ozuna for assignment.
I can't say I'm too surprised by this. I'll give the Dodgers credit for not just sitting around and watching the same guys screw up time and time again. It's not like this is a major move or anything like that, but who knows, maybe DeWitt can recreate some of that magic he had to start the year when he was NL Rookie of the Month for May.
Since being sent to the Minors, DeWitt has played well. In 26 games, he's hit .303 with 4 HR and 18 RBI. In the past 4 games, he's 11-19 with 3 doubles, a homer, and 8 RBI's. I'm glad he didn't sulk about his demotion and quit playing hard. He made the most of his opportunity to get better and he has.
On the flip side, Ozuna did everything he could to convince the Dodgers why he's not even a good bench player. Well, I shouldn't be too hard on him defensively, because he didn't commit any errors in 41 chances playing both infield and outfield. But at the plate, he was deplorable. 3-18 with 1 RBI. If the Dodgers were hitting well, this move would probably not be made. That's how lousy things have been lately.
There's still the possibility of Ozuna clearing waivers, going to the Minors for all of a few days, then being recalled when rosters are expanded to 40 in September.
I can't say I'm too surprised by this. I'll give the Dodgers credit for not just sitting around and watching the same guys screw up time and time again. It's not like this is a major move or anything like that, but who knows, maybe DeWitt can recreate some of that magic he had to start the year when he was NL Rookie of the Month for May.
Since being sent to the Minors, DeWitt has played well. In 26 games, he's hit .303 with 4 HR and 18 RBI. In the past 4 games, he's 11-19 with 3 doubles, a homer, and 8 RBI's. I'm glad he didn't sulk about his demotion and quit playing hard. He made the most of his opportunity to get better and he has.
On the flip side, Ozuna did everything he could to convince the Dodgers why he's not even a good bench player. Well, I shouldn't be too hard on him defensively, because he didn't commit any errors in 41 chances playing both infield and outfield. But at the plate, he was deplorable. 3-18 with 1 RBI. If the Dodgers were hitting well, this move would probably not be made. That's how lousy things have been lately.
There's still the possibility of Ozuna clearing waivers, going to the Minors for all of a few days, then being recalled when rosters are expanded to 40 in September.
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