Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers are obviously trying to prepare rookie hurler Dustin May for some relief pitching -- just in time for the playoffs. Unfortunately, his first attempt yesterday did not go so well. He struggled after coming into the game in the sixth inning with the Dodgers leading 3-1. He would go on to allow three hits; including a grand slam to Rafael Ortega. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I would contribute it mostly to a lack of command,” May said. “A little amped up, a little excited, but you’ve still got to go out and execute. I didn’t execute very well today, for really any pitch. There’s really only room for improvement from here.”
...
“As far as the role, this is something new we didn’t expect to just be seamless,” Roberts said. “Give him an opportunity to learn and get his feet wet. … My faith, my confidence in Dustin hasn’t wavered.”

Photo above via Adam Hagy/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!
• Via Clint Evans at Dodgers Blue Pen -- "Kershaw Speaks On His Dislike of Robot Umpires Idea."

First off – Kershaw is like me – he’s a traditionalist. Therefore, Kershaw believes that the human element factor of error; is part of the game for better or worse. It sounds like the Dodgers’ veteran hurler doesn’t really believe baseball is considering this wholesale change to begin with.

“Come on,” the Dodgers’ ace says of the prospect of robot umps coming to a big-league park near him. “Is that really a possibility? They’re not really thinking about that. Are they?”

• The Dodgers 2020 Spring Training has just been announced. Go here for more information.

It is never too early to start planning for spring training! Check out the #Dodgers 2020 @cactusleagueaz schedule. We will see you in Glendale, Arizona. pic.twitter.com/sstP4mjtLN

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 19, 2019

• ICYMI: Julio Urías has been suspended 20 games, mandated by Major League Baseball, for domestic violence. Right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler has been called up in his stead. From a Dodger press release:

“While we are disappointed in what occurred and support the decision by the Commissioner’s Office, we are also encouraged that Julio has taken responsibility for his actions and believe he will take the necessary steps to learn from this incident.”

• ICYMI: The Dodgers activated Jedd Gyorko from the IL over the weekend and he got into his first game as a Dodger on Sunday. He went 2-for-4, with two singles.
• This mornings Baseball America Prospect Report makes note of Dodger outfielder Cody Thomas:

Thomas had three hits in five at-bats for Double-A Tulsa. The Dodgers’ No. 21 prospect had a single, triple and a two-run home run in the eighth inning. It was his second three-hit performance over his last four starts.

• Via David Laurila at FanGaphs -- "The Dodgers’ Aaron Bates Talks Hitting."

David Laurila: How are hitters in the Dodgers’ system taught, and evaluated?

Aaron Bates: “Brownie and Robert are both unbelievable. They have a way of communicating with players that is simplistic, makes sense, and provides answers. They can say, ‘This is why you’re making outs,” or ‘This is why you’re doing that.’ When you can provides answers to a player, it’s a breath of fresh air for him. 

“It’s extremely important to be upfront with the players. We let them know there are numbers we value, as far as them being promoted, and they’re not necessary your baseball-card numbers. It could be OPS, wRC+, and their walk and strikeout rates. We let them know it’s not solely based on their batting averages.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *