Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Wood, Smith, Alexander, Lobstein

The Dodgers beat the New York Mets 4-2 last night in a game that was won by a grand slam by Cody Bellinger in the sixth inning.  The grand slam would prove to be enough run support as the Dodger bullpen combined to pitch three scoreless innings.

The Dodgers broke back into the win column on Friday by defeating Zach Wheeler and the New York Mets 4-2.  The Dodgers went 2-7 with runners in scoring position which is an upgrade based on how the club has been hitting lately.  The Dodgers could have scored even more runs but one play that robbed the Dodgers of runs was when Michael Conforto laid out to rob Joc Pederson of an RBI double.  Kenley Jansen closed the game out and appeared to be back in mid-season form as he struck out two Mets and did not allow a single runner on base.

Other news…

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• Recapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft
• Dodgers ironically sign former all-star to potentially replace Cody Bellinger
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• Alex Wood pitched well for the second consecutive game.  One start after taking a no hitter into the fifth inning, Wood pitched six innings allowing two runs and struck out seven batters.  There has been a lot of talk about Wood and if he’s really healthy so these last two starts should help keep Wood off the disabled list.  Wood will face the Chicago Cubs at home in his next start.
• The Dodgers top catching prospect is Keibert Ruiz an he gets a lot of well-deserved attention, but the Dodgers have another legit catching prospect in Will Smith.  Smith hit his tenth home run of the Double-A season last night and he has now homered in three straight games.  Smith could be the Dodgers best trade chip if they’re unwilling to deal Alex Verdugo away.
• Scott Alexander got off to a slow start in LA but he is now starting to round into form.  On Friday, Scott Alexander pitched two scoreless innings to bridge the gap from Alex Wood to all-star closer Kenley Jansen.  Scott did get into a jam in the eighth inning but he induced a ground ball double play his last seven games, Alexander has pitched eight innings allowing just one run and struck out ten batters.  Alexander was acquired this off-season to hold down the eighth inning, so more outings like this are welcomed.

Next: Are the Dodgers mired in another slump?

• The Dodgers made a minor signing on Friday as they signed pitcher Kyle Lobstein to a minor league deal and they are going to start him for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers on Saturday.  Lobstein had been pitching for the Tijuana Toros and he had a 2.95 ERA.  Lobstein last appeared in the major leagues with the Pirates in 2016, and he was pitching in the minors last season.  Kyle Lobstein’s career ERA is 5.06 so this is just a minor league depth signing.