Previewing Dodgers’ upcoming games against Twins and Reds

The Los Angeles Dodgers did not get off to an ideal start in Colorado over the weekend. Dropping two out of three games against a suspected bottom feeder of the division is not how fans envisioned the World Series favorites to open the year. With that being said, there’s still reason for optimism as we look ahead for the next week of baseball.

The team travels to Minnesota for a quick two-game series on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Twins. Tuesday’s game will be a pitching matchup of Andrew Heaney going for the Dodgers and Chris Archer going for the Twins. These are two pitchers that have seemingly let their primes slip away but are looking to get their careers back on track.

Heaney certainly hasn’t done anything in a Dodgers’ uniform to ease the minds of fans as in Spring Training and has continued to struggle after his career-worst season in 2021. In 5.1 innings pitched over two appearances, he had an astonishing 16.88 ERA and 2.44 WHIP. Hopefully this isn’t a sign of things to come and he will figure it out as the season goes along.

On Wednesday, the probable starters are Clayton Kershaw and Chris Paddack, who is a familiar name for Dodgers’ fans. The former Padres pitcher had early success in his career, but has had his fair share of struggles lately and was dealt to Minnesota right before Opening Day. These are two very winnable games assuming LA’s offense can get the job done.

After a mini-series in Minnesota, the Dodgers finally have their home opener against the Reds. Cincinnati is in town for a four-game weekend series spanning from Thursday to Sunday. The Reds completely tore down their core this offseason, trading away Sonny Gray, Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suarez, and letting other valuable pieces walk in free agency. It’s imperative that the Dodgers take at least three games in this series given how much talent the Reds have lost.

Other than that, there are a few Dodgers players that fans should have an eye on. To start, Cody Bellinger has to get it going. In LA’s loss on Sunday, Bellinger reached base safely three times, which is a great sign, but his swing still needs work. He’s already drew ire on social media after going 0-for-8 in his first two games.

Another player to watch is Heaney. He should see a healthy amount of innings in the next week as he will make a start in Minnesota and then another against the Reds if everything goes smoothly. Heaney does not presumably have a large amount of room for error since the back end of the Dodgers’ rotation is as undefined as it can possibly get.

And finally, how about Hanser Alberto and Brusdar Graterol? Alberto has not gotten a start yet this season and he could potentially give Justin Turner and Max Muncy some much needed days off throughout the season. That could happen with nine straight games on deck. Graterol made an appearance in Colorado and looked great, consistently touching 100 MPH. It seems as if his pitching motion and mechanics have been slightly tweaked. Look for him to continue dominating opposing hitters if he’s in a rhythm and back on track after last year’s trying season that featured injuries, poor play, and a bout with COVID.

An opening series loss isn’t as bad as some fans are making it out to be. The Dodgers have one of the deepest lineups (if not the deepest) in baseball and will have largely favorable opponents the remainder of the month. Once these guys get settled in, there are going to be fireworks launched from every corner of the roster.

Dodgers’ reason for giving Andrew Heaney a rotation spot is ridiculous

Andrew Heaney is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation and the reason for his inclusion is fairly ridiculous. Come on now.