Arruebarrena Joins Dodgers, As Cactus League Schedule Winds Down

According to the Dodger’s twitter, shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena  has finally made it into the country, and is now at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. Arruebarrena was initially signed to a five year 25 million dollar contract this winter, but was unable to originally enter the country because of visa issues. I’m guessing those were ironed out. Arruebarrena will wear number 11. Welcome to the Dodgers Erisbel!

Pregame notes

As Stacie originally reported last night, Josh Beckett slammed his thumb in a clubhouse door last week, and it’s bothering him now. Remember he’s had thumb ligament problems before, and I’m hoping this doesn’t re-aggravate the prior injury. What this does is once again make Beckett questionable for the stateside regular season opener. This also puts Beckett into discussion with other funny Dodger injuries. Well, no Dodger injuries are funny, but you know what I mean. I’m talking about the silly Dodger injuries. The Rick Honeycutt falling down in the Dodger Stadium parking lot kind of injuries. The Joe Beimel bar glass injury, and it’s Daryl Strawberry/Eric Davis throwing firecrackers out of a moving car in the Dodger Stadium parking lot. It’s just silly.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Paul Maholm poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch.-Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’ll make you giggle, but Beckett is obviously quite frustrated with his rotten luck. These types of injuries happen often, especially to the Dodgers it seems. Such a shame as Beckett was starting to look pretty good this spring. We’re not sure when Beckett will return, but in the meantime, Paul Maholm will get the nod today, and stands at the ready if Beckett isn’t ready when the club comes home from Sydney. Fortunately for the Dodgers they won’t need a fifth starter until sometime in mid-April.

Maholm and the rest of the club will be battling the Reds at Camelback Ranch this afternoon.  Most of the regulars are in today’s lineup. Dee Gordon gets the start at second base, With Figgins in center, and Turner giving Gonzo a day off at first base.

(Ethier’s two-run double)

Dodgers Lineup vs. Reds-3-13-14

Dee Gordon 2B

Paul Maholm P

Alfredo Simon Vs. Paul Maholm

Game Time- 1:05 PM T.V.-SportsnetLA- MLBN