The Dodgers and Mariners continue this four-set set this week, with both teams traveling the nearly 1,200 miles from Los Angeles to Seattle for the final two games.
In a short season during a pandemic, in which MLB schemes are restricted to their own regions (west plays west, east plays east, etc.) to help reduce the chances of spread or infection, interleague play still exists around one or more other reason from two four-game matchups between teams divided between two cities.
The Dodgers’ other two-and-two inter-league opponent is the Astros, a team they have played twice in Houston and host again Sept. 12-13 at Dodger Stadium. The league would have been better if these matchups consisted of four games in one city, instead of each team making two unnecessary trips.
Dodgers-Mariners lineups
| Pos | Dodgers | Pos | Mariners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Dodgers | Pos | Mariners |
| RF | Betts | SS | Crawford (L) |
| SS | Seager (L) | 2B | Moore |
| 3B | Turner | CF | Lewis |
| CF | Bellinger (L) | 3B | Seager (L) |
| 1B | Muncy (L) | C | Nola |
| LF | Pollock | 1B | White |
| DH | Pederson (L) | DH | Lopes |
| 2B | Taylor | LF | Haggerty (S) |
| C | Ruiz (S) | RF | Bishop |
“You would obviously think cutting back on travel makes more sense, but there’s some logic behind it,” manager Dave Roberts said at a conference call. “In those times, I think for sure one of the clubs was fine with playing four in their respective cities.”
Notes
-
Keibert Ruiz is behind the plate for his second major-class start, against Mariners referee Taijuan Walker.
-
Victor Gonzalez said he has placed on the alternative training site every five or six days, usually two or three innings per outing, so expect him in a long relief role.
- After his three-innings simulated game Tuesday in LA, Alex Wood will display four simulated innings next Monday.
- For this short trip of two games, the Dodgers brought in Zach McKinstry, Rocky Gale, and Josh Sborz as their taxi squad.
- The Dodgers plan at some point to move their alternate training site from USC to Rancho Cucamonga, once students started coming to campus, but with USC now almost completely online instruction for the fall semester, the Dodgers plan to move on campus stay for the rest of the season.
Seattle’s battle of roster relocations
After playing with a two-man bench on Tuesday, the Mariners called up outside planner Braden Bishop and handyman Sam Haggerty for Wednesday’s game. Both are sitting in the lineup tonight. Seattle optional pitcher Art Warren and designated first baseman / designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach for assignment.
Game info
Time: 18:40 PT
TV: SportsNet LA
