Haren Debuts As Dodgers Look For Series Win In Rubber Game

Dodgers Lineup @ San Diego-4-2-14

Carl CrawfordYasiel PuigHanley RamirezAdrian GonzalezAndre EthierJuan UribeA.J. EllisDee GordonDan Haren

Dan Haren Vs. Tyson Ross – Game Time 7:10 PM- t.v SportsnetLA

Today is getaway day for the Dodgers. After tonight’s rubber game against the Padres, the club will come back home to open their first homestand of the regular season starting on Friday afternoon versus the Giants.

In the meantime the boys in blue are looking to score a series win over the Padres. In order to do that they’re going to have to put some runs on the board. The Dodgers have scored more than three runs in just one game this season.

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers did score three runs yesterday afternoon in their 3-2 win, and it was just enough to hang on for the win by the skin of their teeth. Or you could say by the hair of their chinny-chin-chin. The Dodgers had Puig’s mamoth two-run shot, and Gordon’s run scoring single, and made those stand up. But, a win is a win, whether it’s 3-2, or 12-0. I just hope the Dodgers don’t give us another heart attack tonight.

SPeaking of toeing the rubber, the Dodgers will give the ball to Dan Haren, who will make his Dodger debut tonight. Haren was extremely shaky in his last start against the Angles in the Freeway Series. He gave up six runs in just two frames, worrying everyone. And you know me guys, I’m a worrier. But let’s give Haren a chance before we make fun of him. He has been a good pitcher for most of his career, and hopefully he can regain some of that form that made him a two time all-star.

Haren has seen the Padres a lot throughout his career. Haren is 5-4 with a 3.84 ERA against San Diego, with 89 whiffs and 20 walks in 16 games. At Petco Park Haren has been pretty good as well. Haren is 2-3 with a 4.23 ERA at the Padre’s home park. In a little over 61 frames at Petco, he has whiffed 58 and walked just 13. Last season Haren was 10-14 for Washington with a 4.67 ERA and 151 whiffs and 31 walks. Haren is a guy who is always around the plate. These types of control pitchers rarely walk anyone, and always throw srikes, but sometimes there can be dangerous side effects to that. Those can be too many base runners allowed, and a lot of home runs. Haren has allowed 247 home runs in his career and has averaged 26 long balls served up per year. His career rate is 1.1 per nine innings. So keys for Haren are limiting base runners, and keeping balls in the park.

The Padres have hit three home runs against Haren, and are batting .287 (42 for 143). The big three that have done the most damage are Chase Headley (9 for 32) .281 with a home run and four runs driven in. Nick Hundley is (10 for 29) .345, and the thorn in the Dodger’s side this series, Seth Smith is hitting .263 (10 for 38) with a home run, and seven runs driven in.

RBI

OBP

SLG

Seth Smith

.263

.300

.447

Chase Headley

.281

.303

.438

Nick Hundley

.345

.414

Everth Cabrera

.286

.357

Will Venable

.077

.308

Yonder Alonso

.400

.333

.600

Alexi Amarista

1.000

1.500

Jedd Gyorko

1.000

1.500

.000

.500

.000

.000

Total

152

143

.287

.309

.434

San Diego will counter with youngster Tyson Ross. The 26-year old from Berkley was drafted by the A’s in the second round of the 2008 draft. Then in 2012 he was traded to the Padres for Andy Parrino, and Andrew Werner.

Last season Ross pitched well, despite his poor record. We know that pitcher’s records don’t mean much, and sometimes don’t accurately reflect a pitcher’s true talent. Ross posted a 3-9 record, but also a 3.17 ERA. Ross threw 125 frames, and whiffed 144 against only 44 walks. That’s an 8.6 whiff per nine rate, and a nearly 3-1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Ross hasn’t seen the Dodgers much. He only has one decision against them in four games. Ross is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA versus the Dodgers. In 15 games at Petco Park, Ross has a 2.03 ERA, with 46 whiffs and 17 walks.

Ross is a four pitch guy. He has a four-seamer he throws from 90-95, a two-seamer, slider, and changeup. generally Ross throws the changeup to lefties, and the slider to right handers. This guy can throw hard, so watch out.

As far as the Dodgers are concerned, they’ve hit him pretty well in the short amount of time they’ve seen him in. Puig is 2 for 4, and has the only home run. Nobody has more than six at-bats against Ross, but the Dodgers collectively are hitting .325 (13 for 40) with six walks, and a .306 OBP. Check out how the rest of the Dodgers have hit Ross.

RBI

OBP

SLG

Adrian Gonzalez

.500

.667

Carl Crawford

.667

.714

.833

Andre Ethier

.167

.286

.167

A.J. Ellis

.200

.333

.200

Chone Figgins

.000

.250

.000

Yasiel Puig

.500

1.250

Juan Uribe

.250

Hanley Ramirez

.000

.333

.000

Drew Butera

.000

Zack Greinke

.500

Scott Van Slyke

.000

Total

.325

.396

.450

Player to watch tonight-Juan Uribe

The Dodgers may not be hitting much of late, but Juan Uribe should be a guy to watch. Uribe had three hits in four at-bats in the Dodger’s Tuesday afternoon 3-2 win. Uribe is already hitting over .400 so far this season. It’s only been four games, but the lovable third sacker has seven hits, and two doubles. He’s 7 for 17, and has only struck out four times.

Opposing player to watch out for- Nick Hundley

If he plays tonight, Hundley could be someone to keep an eye on. The veteran catcher is batting .345 (10 for 29) with two doubles off of Haren.

Oh and by the way, the Dodgers claimed infielder Carlos Triunfel off waivers from Seattle, placed him on the 40-man roster, and then optioned him to Albuquerque. Hey you know what they say, Albuquerque needs players too.

And we need our Dodgers to get this series win before coming home. Let’s please make it happen tonight boys, without giving everyone a heart palpitation. My blood pressure can only take so much guys. As always, check in with us after the game for complete coverage of the rubber match. Go Blue!

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