MLB roundup: Rangers' Kinsler placed on disabled list (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Texas Rangers put second baseman Ian Kinsler on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday because of bruised ribs.

Locke gem, Alvarez homer lead Pirates past Astros (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH -- As Michael McKenry worked with left-hander Jeff Locke on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Pirates backup catcher couldn't help but think about the potential of his young batterymate.

Mother Nature Can’t Stop The Dodger Bullpen From Blowing Third Consecutive Game

Source: Lasorda's Lair by Scott Andes

Dodgers 2 3 3 Braves    5 7 0 WP-Avilan-2-0 LP-Jansen-1-3 SV-Kimbrel-14

You know I had a nice recap all planned out for this game, but the pathetic Dodger loser-pen robbed me of being able to use it. Even though the Dodger bullpen blew it again, this was a team wide defeat. Another pitiful performance from the offense, and shoddy defense made for another painful loss in a long line of them this year. Not even mother nature could save us on this day.

We were already aggravated enough when we learned that poor

Braves rally with 4-run 8th to sweep Dodgers (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ATLANTA (AP) -- Ramiro Pena had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in a four-run eighth inning, Jordan Schafer drove in two runs and the Atlanta Braves rallied against the Los Angeles Dodgers' beleaguered bullpen for a 5-2 victory on a rain-soaked Sunday.

Braves 5, Dodgers 2 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ATLANTA -- The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen couldn't hold a lead for the third straight game, and Matt Magill lost a chance for his first major league victory as the Atlanta Braves completed a series sweep Sunday.

Dodgers Bullpen Collapses Again, Blame Doesn’t Belong in One Place

Source: Dodgers Nation by Jeff Spiegel

It’s like a horror movie with an obvious twist looming. We were all just waiting for it to happen. And then, in the bottom of the eighth, the seemingly inevitable happened as the Dodger bullpen imploded for four runs — turning a 2-1 lead into a 5-2 hole. But who is to blame? Is it [...]

Dodgers Bullpen Collapses Again, Blame Doesn’t Belong in One Place is a post from: Dodgers Nation

Dodgers stumble a little deeper, swept by Braves with 5-2 loss

Source: LA Times

Someday the Dodgers will actually hold on to a one-run lead. Someday, it’s even possible they discover an offense.

Bullpen takes third loss in three days against Atlanta

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

Kenley Jansen was charged with the decisive runs for the second consecutive game in Sunday's 5-2 loss, and the Braves scored with Brandon League on the mound in an inning that wiped out what could have been Matt Magill's first Major League win.

BC-BBN--Dodgers-Braves Rain Delay,ADVISORY, BBN (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves game has resumed in the bottom of the sixth inning after a 33-minute rain delay. The Dodgers lead 2-1.

Locke gem, Alvarez homer lead Pirates to win oveer Astros (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH -- As Michael McKenry worked with Jeff Locke on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Pirates backup catcher couldn't help but think about the potential of his young battery mate.

Going...Going...Not Gone: Dodgers Matt Kemp Makes Home Run Stealing Catch

Source: Yardbarker

Matt Kemp is a heck of a ball player--there is no denying that. Saturday night when his Dodgers were playing the Atlanta Braves he proved that once again by making this catch to steal a home run from Jason Heyward. You have to give Heyward a little credit too. Not many players would tip their hat to a guy that just took a home run from them! Your browser does not support iframes.

10 Degrees: Dubious run? Little reason to doubt bargain of D'backs' Goldschmidt standard (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

We've reached the quarter-pole mark in the baseball season. It's time to figure out whose outstanding start is a mirage.

Pirates 1, Astros 0 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates' patience with Jeff Locke is starting to pay off.

Has Don Mattingly Lost Control On The Field?

Source: Lasorda's Lair by Scott Andes

Not to say he’s ever really had it. But if you read between the lines you may be able to see that the players are running the show. Don Mattingly no longer has control over his players on the field . Having control over your payers on the field is just as important as having control in the clubhouse. Take a look at what Ken Gurnick wrote over at MLB.com this

Jansen's pitch selection with Gattis baffles Mattingly

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was still shaking his head in dismay Sunday over reliever Kenley Jansen's decision to challenge Braves pinch-hitter Evan Gattis, who slugged a two-run homer Saturday night on an inside cutter.

Cruz available for finale despite bone spurs in elbow

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

Dodgers infielder Luis Cruz said he was available to play Sunday after being unavailable Saturday night because of a bone spur flare-up in his right elbow.

Gordon's baserunning gaffe frustrates Mattingly

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

Dee Gordon heard about it from manager Don Mattingly, baserunning coach Davey Lopes, and father and former All-Star closer Flash Gordon: "Don't steal third, unless you know you'll be safe."

West Notes: Kershaw, Rockies, Rangers, Astros

Source: MLB Trade Rumors by Jeff Todd

Credit Dodgers' scouting director Logan White for ensuring that Clayton Kershaw's big league successes have come in a Dodger uniform, says Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. The club had targeted Kershaw and Evan

Mark Ellis returns to lineup for Dodgers (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ATLANTA (AP) -- Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis has returned to the lineup after missing the last 19 games with a right quadriceps strain.

BC-BBN--Dodgers-Braves Rain Delay ADVISORY, BBN (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The start of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves game is being delayed by rain.

Keeping Luis Cruz and Ramon Hernandez on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Roster is Nonsensical (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | Fans and followers can play armchair general manager, thinking they know better than those who do this for a living. But the Los Angeles Dodgers' front office is making me question their moves so far in 2013 season.

Dodgers activate infielder Ellis from disabled list

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

The Dodgers activated second baseman Mark Ellis off the disabled list Sunday and optioned catcher Tim Federowicz to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Dodgers activate Mark Ellis from the disabled list

Source: LA Times

ATLANTA -- Second baseman Mark Ellis was activated from the disabled list on Sunday before the Dodgers’ series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

The 25 Dodger catchers of the 21st century

Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman

The angry reaction over Tim Federowicz’s demotion to Albuquerque this morning prompted me to want to see the proud line of Dodger catchers, starting and backup, of recent vintage.

Today’s question: Who’s your 16th favorite Dodger catcher of the century?

Rk Player G From To Age PA HR SB BA OBP SLG OPS 1 Russell Martin 667 2006 2010 23-27 2713 54 66 .272 .365 .396 .761 2 Paul Lo

Dodgers activate Mark Ellis from 15-day disabled list (NBC Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

As first reported by beat writer Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers have activated infielder Mark Ellis from the 15-day disabled list. Tim Federowicz was optioned to the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque to open up a roster spot. Ellis is in the Dodgers’ starting lineup on Sunday afternoon against the Braves,…

Mark Ellis returns from DL for Dodgers

Source: Orange County Register by By BILL PLUNKETT

The Dodgers got another key piece back from the DL Sunday with second baseman Mark Ellis activated in time for the game against the Atlanta  Braves. Ellis played three innings for Double-A Chattanooga on Friday then seven innings on Saturday, going...

Mark Ellis returns, Federowicz sent down

Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman

Tim Federowicz has been sent down to Albuquerque to make room for the return from the disabled list of Mark Ellis.

The Dodgers are 6-13 since Ellis’ last start for the team.

Ted Lilly is expected to come off the disabled list this week. He will either take the spot in the starting rotation of today’s starter, Matt Magill, or will go to the bullpen. Javy Guerra is probably heading back to Albuquerque soon, if not to make room for Lilly then for Scott Elbert, whose return is also fairly imminent.

Things look bleak again for the Dodgers after a short respite, but Chris Capuano’s appearance Saturday was briefly encouraging, even if there’s a hint of health concern again for the lefty,

Dodgers activate infielder Ellis from DL

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

The Dodgers activated second baseman Mark Ellis off the disabled list on Sunday and catcher Tim Federowicz was optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Game 42 Thread: May 19 @ Barves, 10:30a

Source: Sons of Steve Garvey by Orel

Matt Magill (0-0, 6.92) vs. Mike Minor (5-2, 2.75).

After yesterday's dispiriting loss, and the dispiriting loss the day before that, in what has been a most dispiriting season, we get to today's game, which will almost certainly be another dispiriting loss for the last-place Dodgers that will complete the first-place Barves' dispiriting sweep.

Each team is starting a pitcher with the initials MM, but only Atlanta's MM belongs in the majors right now. Minor is fresh off a win over the gritty Diamondbacks, while the Dodgers have yet to win a game started by Magill. (Sometimes it seems they

Worse than even I imagined

Source: LADodgerTalk.com by Mark Timmons

I have always been a positive person.  Each year I have faced the season with optimism and have always felt that the Boys of Summer were full of promise every Spring.  It was not hard for me to see a silver lining in seasons of doubt.  I was frequently accused of having my eyes clouded [...]

Looking at some potential Dodgers' draft picks in 2013 MLB mock drafts

Source: Yardbarker

The 2013 MLB Draft is three weeks from yesterday. Apparently, Thursday was a big mock draft day, as Keith Law (ESPN Insider), Jonathan Mayo (MLB.com) and John Sickels (Minor League Ball) all released mocks. Manaea I’m going to look at all the legitimate mock drafts out there to this point to take the temperature of the experts to see who the Dodgers might target in three weeks. Baseball America LHP Ian Clarkin, Madison HS (CA) My take: I’d be OK with his selection. Clarkin is a lefty who has decent size (6’2, 190) with a fastball in the 89-91 MPH range. With his frame, he has some projectability, so adding velocity isn’t out of the question. He also has a curveball and changeup. Law LHP Matt Krook, St. Ignatius Prep HS (CA) My take: Krook has better size than Clarkin (6’4, 195) and has more helium. He’s shooting up the draft boards. He has a low-90s fastball and a curveball. Mayo and Sickels RHP Phil Bickford, Oaks ...

Matt Magill and Dodgers Hope to Avoid Atlanta Sweep

Source: Lasorda's Lair by Stacie Wheeler

Matt Magill (0-0, 6.92) vs. Mike Minor (5-2, 2.75)

Lineup: TBA

Sunday sweep day? The Braves are looking to complete the three-game sweep against the Dodgers on Sunday in Atlanta. The Dodger bullpen has faltered in both of the first two games, and the offense fell flat against

Dodgers 5/18/13 minor league report - Songco plates 4 in Quakes' win

Source: True Blue LA

Angelo Songco went 3 for 4 and drove in half of the Quakes runs on Saturday in their 8 - 3 win over the Giants

Nationals-Padres Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Bryce Harper is still feeling the effects of running into an outfield wall earlier this week.

Dodgers-Braves Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

A pair of home run-induced comebacks have the Atlanta Braves on the brink of their first series sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in over five years.

Heyward tips cap to Kemp after great play

Source: Yardbarker

Tweet   When it comes to playing center field there aren’t many who do it better than Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers. On Saturday the two-time Gold Glove Award winner used his impressive athleticism to rob Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward at the wall.   Your browser does not support iframes.   [...]

Indians walk off with win over Seattle again (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

(Reuters) - The Cleveland Indians beat the Seattle Mariners in a walk-off for the second successive day with a 5-4 victory on Saturday. Jason Kipnis, who belted the go ahead three-run homer in the 10th inning on Friday, was driven in from third by Mark Reynolds on a fielders choice grounder in the bottom of the ninth to keep the Indians at the top of the American League Central (24-17). In New York, Robinson Cano drove in four runs on two two-run homers as the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2. ...

Waiting for Matt Kemp & Andre Ethier

Source: True Blue LA

There are many reasons why the Dodgers are 17-24 this season. Two big ones hit in the middle of their lineup.

Baseball-Indians walk off with win over Seattle again (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

May 18 (Reuters) - The Cleveland Indians beat the Seattle Mariners in a walk-off for the second successive day with a 5-4 victory on Saturday. Jason Kipnis, who belted the go ahead three-run homer in the 10th inning on Friday, was driven in from third by Mark Reynolds on a fielders choice grounder in the bottom of the ninth to keep the Indians at the top of the American League Central (24-17). In New York, Robinson Cano drove in four runs on two two-run homers as the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2. ...

Latest loss has Mattingly searching for answers

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

Don Mattingly was again seeking an explanation for another unbearable loss Saturday night, 3-1 to the Braves, this crusher the result of back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning by pinch-hitter Evan Gattis and leadoff hitter Andrelton Simmons off Kenley Jansen, the one reliever Mattingly thought he could trust with a one-run lead.

Crawford can relate

Source: Orange County Register by By BILL PLUNKETT

ATLANTA – Carl Crawford recognized the look right away. "It's about identical to what I went through in Boston," Crawford said of meeting his former Tampa Bay teammate, current Atlanta Braves outfielder B.J. Upton, before the first game in Atlanta...

May Ow-ers

Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman

The Dodgers, who are 4-11 in May, need to go at least 7-5 in the month’s remaining 12 games to avoid their worst May ever in Los Angeles, worse than the 11-17 Mays of 1958, 1995 and 2005.

The ’95 team rallied to win a division title.

Gattis comes through in pinch as Braves win (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ATLANTA -- Evan Gattis showed again Saturday that he has a flair for the dramatic.

Magill battles for rotation spot in series finale

Source: MLB.com by Quinn Roberts

Matt Magill's stay in the Dodgers' starting rotation could be short-lived if he doesn't pitch well in Sunday's series finale against the Braves, who send Mike Minor to the mound in search of a series sweep.

Elbert throws 13 pitches in Double-A rehab start

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

Scott Elbert allowed one run on two hits in one inning Saturday night as he continued his rehab assignment with Double-A Chattanooga.

Touch of Class from Jason Heyward

Source: Sons of Steve Garvey by Dusty Baker

At the depth of our pain of being burned by HRs the past two games, the best we can do is look for little bits of sunshine in otherwise dark days.
Here's something you don't see a lot these days in sport, at least during a game. After Matt Kemp robbed Jason Heyward of what looked to be a HR with an amazing, well-timed catch, Heyward rounded second base and looked to Kemp in the outfield to pay his sportsmanlike respect for the feat.

Hat tip to Kemp for the web gem catch, and to Heyward for his class.
Now, back to being surly and feeling the hate.

May 18: Braves 3, Dodgers 1

Source: True Blue LA

Chris Capuano pitched a gem, but a pair of home runs off Kenley Jansen in the eighth inning turned a 1-0 lead into a 3-1 Dodgers loss to the Braves on Saturday night at Turner Field.

Eighth inning undoes Dodgers after strong start

Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick

Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen, asked to get a five-out save with a one-run lead, instead allowed back-to-back homers to Evan Gattis and Andrelton Simmons in the eighth inning of a crushing 3-1 loss to the Braves on Saturday night.

Dodgers bullpen gives it up again

Source: Orange County Register by By BILL PLUNKETT

ATLANTA - The Dodgers' most trusted reliever, Kenley Jansen, gave up back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning Saturday night. The latest in a lengthening line of bullpen breakdowns cost the Dodgers in a 3-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Turner...

Bullpen Ruins Capuano’s Gem By Allowing Consecutive Atlanta Homeruns

Source: Lasorda's Lair by Stacie Wheeler

Dodgers 1 2 0

Braves 3 7 1

WP- Gearrin (1-0)

LP- Jansen (1-2)

S- Kimbrel (13)

HR- Gattis (8), Simmons (5)

The Dodgers bullpen continues to struggle, and a pair of eighth inning homeruns by Evan Gattis and Andrelton Simmons