Spring Training Preview: Clayton Kershaw Starts; Miguel Vargas In Leadoff Spot Of Dodgers Lineup Vs. Rockies

After a comeback victory against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers enjoyed a day off and now are back at Camelback Ranch to host the Colorado Rockies for a night game in Cactus League play, weather permitting.

Looking for their spring-best fourth victory in a row, Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for Los Angeles in his second start. His appearance comes after allowing five hits and three earned runs in three innings of work in an eventual 6-5 victory against the Los Angeles Angels on March 10.

Perhaps planning to work deeper into the game against the Rockies with Opening Day just over two weeks away, Kershaw struck out two in his spring debut while throwing a total of 58 pitches. He allowed a home run to Taylor Ward to lead off the game and prospect Kevin Padlo in his third and final inning.

Kershaw nevertheless had a positive outlook on the outing as he looks to continue preparing for the regular season.

Taking the mound for Colorado in his fourth spring start is Austin Gomber. The 29-year-old left-hander has totaled 7.2 innings in Cactus League play and allowed five earned runs to amount to a 5.87 ERA and 1.70 WHIP.

Despite the high ERA, Gomber, who joined the Rockies in 2021, delivered four innings of scoreless baseball while just allowing one hit against the San Francisco Giants on March 10. In 33 total appearances (17 starts), he pitched to a 5.56 ERA.

Gomber faces a Dodgers lineup that has Miguel Vargas in the leadoff spot for the first time this spring. Vargas has hit safely in each of the last five games since being cleared to swing a bat.

The Dodgers lineup also has regulars Chris Taylor, Max Muncy, J.D. Martinez and Miguel Rojas starting. James Outman, who is vying for the final spot on the Opening Day roster, gets the nod in right field.

Dodgers lineup

2B: Miguel Vargas
LF: Chris Taylor
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
CF: Jason Heyward
SS: Miguel Rojas
RF: James Outman
1B: Devin Mann
C: Patrick Mazeika

Rockies lineup

RF: Yonathan Daza
LF: Harold Castro
DH: Kris Bryant
1B: Mike Moustakas
3B: Elehuris Montero
SS: Ezequiel Tovar
CF: Brenton Doyle
2B: Cole Tucker
C: Jonathan Morales