Tim Rogers
The Dodgers faced off against the Reds earlier tonight, March 9th, in the 8th game of Spring Training. The lineup featured prospects Luke Raley and Omar Estevez. The pitching forecast had Alex Vesia then righties Josiah Gray, Ryan Pepiot, and Landon Knack – a motherload of exciting right-handed pitching prospects. There were a lot of small highlights but one major one.
Position Player Highlights
Michael Busch came off the bench to pinch-hit for Raley and promptly hit a home run on the first pitch. I’ve said it before, but that is a beautiful swing and I want to see more of him. I hope he gets a start or two soon.
It was great to see Omar Estevez get the start at shortstop. It was surprising to many that he was not protected on the 40-man roster and I am glad he is still with the organization. He got the first hit of the game and scored the first run off of Chris Taylor‘s home run.
Omar Estevez singles on a sharp line drive to left fielder Shogo Akiyama.
Top of the 3rd | 0 outs#LADvsCIN
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 10, 2021
Devin Mann took over second base for Gavin Lux and got his first hit of the spring. I saw a lot of Mann in 2019 with the Quakes and I was impressed as he learned how to play third base while also gaining more power. It has been great to see him get some opportunities.
Devin Mann singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Mark Payton.
Top of the 8th | 1 out#LADvsCIN
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 10, 2021
Pitching Highlights
Josiah Gray looked great except for giving up a solo home run. He pitched two innings and struck out three batters while not walking any. As you can see below, he has some nasty stuff.
Josiah Gray Stuff pic.twitter.com/lz7MC8lVkg
— Mad Choriyama (@MadChoriyama) March 10, 2021
Ryan Pepiot started out the seventh inning with a ground out and a strikeout. Then he gave up a walk and two hits that lead to two runs. It happens.
Ryan Pepiot Squeezed pic.twitter.com/HMuitQsc0P
— Mad Choriyama (@MadChoriyama) March 10, 2021
Landon Knack was brought in to finish the game and threw three pitches that resulted in a ground out, a single, and a ground-ball double. It would have been great to see some more pitches but that was super-efficient.
Landon Knack (Science Hill/ETSU) notches the save for the #Dodgers in #CactusLeague win over the Reds. pic.twitter.com/sO2b2tIJKF
— Tim Hayes (@Hayes_BHCSports) March 10, 2021
Final Thoughts
While the right-handed pitchers hit a few bumps in the road, it was great to see them in action. Tomorrow, March 10th, the Dodgers play the Diamondbacks at 5:05 PM PST with Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Prediction, Michael Busch gets a start in that game.
