It has not gone well against LA for Arizona this year. Or for a while.
So far, the Diamondbacks are just 2-11 against the Dodgers this year. Indeed, since the end of August 2019, the team’s record against Los Angeles is a feeble 4-20. August 2019 was also the last time the Diamondbacks actually won a series anywhere against the Dodgers. If you look just at games in Los Angeles, things are even worse. You have to go back to April 2018 to find a series win for the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Since then, they have a 5-21 mark, including losses in 11 of the last 12 games here. The last time Arizona came to Los Angeles, the series included the hell that was the worst defeat in franchise history, a 22-1 defeat which featured the pitching debut of Josh Reddick.
You’ll understand why I was therefore happy to accept when Mr. Pilcher requested he take Monday for his beercap this week. You have fun with that, Patrick. Let us know when it’s done. We’ll be watching the season finale of American Ninja Warrior, in which participants attempt to complete almost impossible tasks. Much like the Diamondbacks winning in Dodger Stadium. Still, having thrown a spanner in the works of the Mariners’ post-season hopes over the weekend in Seattle, I cling on to the faint hope that the team can do something similar to the Dodgers’ NL West hopes. They sit 21⁄2 back of the Giants: be nice if they were at least that when this series ends on Wednesday night.
But at least we won’t have to deal with Stephen Souza, as he was DFA’d by the Dodgers to make room for the return tonight of Clayton Kershaw. Hahaha! You are dead!
Torey Lovullo notes
- David Peralta has been greatly improved at the plate in recent weeks. Torey talked at length about how David has been a good teammate and is a kind caring person when it comes to being a teammate. But he also wants to play. Torey has had to have some difficult conversations with him regarding playing time, mostly David wanting to know “why”. But he is aware and understands the situation and handles professionally.
- Merrill Kelly threw a 39 pitch bullpen today and feels very good. It sounds like we could see him in an MLB game by the weekend.
- Despite being on suspension, Caleb Smith will throw a sim game at Salt River to keep fresh
- Andy Young was tasked when he was sent down to work on fighting through at bats, and maybe taking a little off his swing. Torey feels there have been big improvements in this regard and it’s results in a couple of two strike hits and an overall better approach. NOTE: Prior to being sent out Young had 33 K’s in 67 PA, 49%. Since coming back 8 K’s in 28 PA, 29%. But he’s hitting just .200 with 3 doubles and no homers. Torey was less effusive when discussing his defense, commenting that he’s just been “o.k.”
Torey Lovullo audio [or link]