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Eric Stephen

Oct 01, 2008 May 31, 2012 10363 114993

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SB Nation Los Angeles Matt Kemp Hamstring Injury: 'It Feels Worse Than The First Time'

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar center fielder Matt Kemp may be headed back to the disabled list, just a short few days after he was activated from it. Kemp aggravated his left hamstring injury while scoring from first on a double in the first inning in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, and the postgame prognosis didn't sound too positive.

"I just felt it grab a little bit," said Kemp after the game. "It's hurting pretty good right now so we'll see what the MRI says tomorrow."

"He'll have an MRI tomorrow, and we'll know more then," said manager Don Mattingly. "Obviously it doesn't look good."

When asked if he would require another stint on the disabled list Kemp said, "I would think so. It feels worse than the first time. We'll see tomorrow. Hopefully the MRI comes back good."

The Dodgers went 9-5 without Kemp the first time he missed, but losing him again won't likely produce the same results. The Dodgers, despite losing their last three games, still own the best record in baseball at 32-18.

"We're not going to have a choice but to regroup and step up," said Mattingly. "We've built a little bit of a rainy day fund with the way we've played early."

For more news and information on Matt Kemp and the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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True Blue LA Disabled List Seems Likely For Matt Kemp

Next stop for Matt Kemp is an MRI exam Thursday morning.

Just five plate appearances into his return from the disabled list after missing 14 games with a left hamstring strain, Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp might be headed back to the DL again. At the very least, he will be out a while after aggravating his left hamstring injury in the first inning in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Kemp felt something in his hamstring as he approached third base, on his way home from first on a double by Andre Ethier in the opening frame.

"That ball got away from the center fielder, and he looked for another gear there," manager Don Mattingly said after the game. "When he came around going into third it didn't look right to me."

Kemp figures another stint on the disabled list is likely.

"I would think so," he said when asked if would be placed on the disabled list again. "It feels worse than the first time. We'll see tomorrow. Hopefully the MRI comes back good."

The Dodgers have an MRI exam scheduled for Kemp on Thursday, just two days after he was activated. But Kemp didn't think he came back too soon.

"We went through all the tests and I was sprinting, running real hard and doing everything normal. I don't know what happened, it just gave out on me a little bit. It's nobody's fault, it just is what it is," Kemp said. "It's just what happens in sports. It happens when you're fast."

The Dodgers have lost three straight games for the first time this season, but losing Kemp is a far bigger loss, obviously.

"It's a little bit of a downer because you battled through that two-week period. Then you get him back and you're getting closer to full strength, but then you take another shot," Mattingly said. "Obviously none of us want to go through this, but at this point there's not going to be another choice if Matt's DL'd, which looks like a pretty good chance. We're not going to have a choice but to regroup and step up.

Up Next

The most immediate opponent in the Dodgers' future is the MRI exam Kemp has scheduled for Thursday morning. But on the field, the Dodgers still have one more game with the Brewers, to whom they have lost five of six games this season. Chad Billingsley takes the mount on Thursday night, trying to stave off a Milwaukee sweep and end the month on a high note, facing Zack Greinke.

Can the Dodgers win? We'll find out Thursday night if they just might do it.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels Vs. Yankees Final Score: Mark Trumbo On Fire, But Halos Lose 6-5

The Los Angeles Angels came close but couldn't quite pull off the sweep, falling 6-5 to the New York Yankees in the finale of their three-game series Wednesday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The Angels, who came back earlier from down 5-1 to tie the game, had the tying and winning runs on base in the ninth but couldn't push them across.

The Angels saw their eight-game winning streak snapped.

The Yankees big inning came in the third, when Curtis Granderson hit a three-run shot, his 16th home run of the season, and was followed shortly by a two-run home run from Robinson Cano, his eighth round tripper of the season.

Down 5-1, the Angels rallied for four runs in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Mark Trumbo and a two-run double by Mike Trout. Trumbo was 8-for-13 against the Yankees in the series and has homered in a career-high four straight games.

The only time the Yankees retired Trumbo on Wednesday was when he flew out to end the game off Rafael Soriano.

"Mark is just having a great year. In the batters box he has a great feel for what's going on. He battled and just missed that last pitch, hitting it off the end of the bat," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "He's a guy in the batters box who is fun to watch."

Trumbo's home runs streak is one game shy of the club record, held by Bobby Bonds from August 2-7, 1977.

The Yankees reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning when Raul Ibanez tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Nick Swisher. Ivan Nova allowed five runs, but he lasted 6 2/3 innings to earn his sixth win of the year.

Hisanori Takahashi (0-2) took the loss for the Angels.

The Halos open a three-game weekend series against the Texas Rangers on Friday night in Anaheim.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Brewers Final Score: Clayton Kershaw Roughed Up By Milwaukee In 6-3 Loss

Clayton Kershaw was unusually wild on Wednesday night, as the Los Angeles Dodgers lost more than just Matt Kemp. The Milwaukee Brewers scored five runs off Kershaw to defeat the Dodgers 6-3 at Dodger Stadium, the first three-game losing streak for the Dodgers this season.

Kemp left the game after the first inning after aggravating his left hamstring injury while scoring from first base on a double. Kemp will have an MRI exam on Thursday morning, but he is expected to go back on the disabled list, saying "it feels worse than the first time."

Kershaw walked four and needed 117 pitches to throw 5 2/3 innings, in which he allowed five runs and eight hits, though he did strike out seven.

Andre Ethier went 3-for-4 with an RBI double that scored Kemp in the first inning.

Down 5-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning the Dodgers loaded the bases with nobody out, and they got two runs out of it on a single by Elian Herrera, but James Loney struck out and Tony Gwynn Jr., in for Kemp, grounded into a double play to end the rally.

Yovanni Gallardo struck out eight in his six innings of work, allowing three runs, to pick up his fourth victory of the season.

The Dodgers send Chad Billingsley to the mound on Thursday to try to avoid a four-game sweep, against Zack Greinke for Milwaukee.

For more news and information on Matt Kemp and the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Matt Kemp Injury: MRI Exam Scheduled For Thursday

The news on Los Angeles Dodgers superstar center fielder Matt Kemp was as expected, as Kemp did indeed aggravate his left hamstring injury while scoring from first base on a double in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Dodgers announced on Wednesday night. Kemp will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday to determine the damage.

Kemp missed 14 games with a left hamstring strain, an injury he first felt on May 6 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Kemp played for another week, going 4-for-20, before injuring the hamstring on May 13 against the Colorado Rockies.

Left hamstring injuries have been quite common this year for the Dodgers. Jerry Hairston Jr. missed 16 games with a strained left hamstring before returning last Friday. Juan Rivera has missed 20 games so far with a more severe left hamstring injury as he ruptured a tendon, but he could be back as soon as this weekend.

For more news and information on Matt Kemp and the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Matt Kemp Leaves Game After One Inning With Apparent Leg Injujry

Just one day after returning from the disabled list, Matt Kemp was forced to leave Wednesday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after just one inning, apparently aggravating the left hamstring injury that kept him out of action for 14 games. Kemp scored from first base on a double by Andre Ethier in the bottom of the first inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 1-0 lead, but appeared to hurt himself while doing so.

Kemp was replaced by Tony Gwynn Jr. in center field at the top of the second inning.

The Dodgers managed to stay afloat without their superstar Kemp, going 9-5, but his production is badly needed in the middle of the lineup. Kemp is hitting .355/.444/.719 this season with 12 home runs in 36 games. He was excited on Tuesday, saying, "I woke up this morning and it felt like opening day."

But he was seen in the dugout breaking a bat in frustration over his injury on Wednesday.

For more news and information on Matt Kemp and the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Jordan Walden Thriving For Angels

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jordan Walden had a trying month of April. The Halos started 6-14, and as closer he didn't have many leads to protect, appearing in just six of the Angels' first 19 games. He blew his second save chance of the season and was demoted from the closer role, but he has thrived ever since.

In 12 appearances in May, Walden has allowed just one run, with 11 baserunners and 12 strikeouts in his 12 1/3 innings. He pitched two scoreless innings on Monday to earn the victory as the Angels beat the New York Yankees 10-8.

"He pitched great at times last year in closing. He went through some really, really good streaks last year," manager Mike Scioscia said on Wednesday. "There were obviously some that got away from him. This is really more of a mechanical issue than to say where he's best suited."

Walden saved 32 games last season and had a 2.98 ERA with 67 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings, but he also had 10 blown saves. But Scioscia still thinks highly of Walden, who he believes will have a bright future.

"He's best suited long term to be a major league closer on a championship caliber club, and that's what I think he'll eventually be," Scioscia said. "This guy is good, and I think he's grown from where he was last year."

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dan Haren Likely To Start Sunday Finale For Angels Vs. Rangers

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia planned to use Thursday's off day to give his starting pitchers an extra day of rest, but Jered Weaver's back injury has thrown a wrench into those plans. Though it is not yet official, expect Dan Haren to start the series finale for the Halos on Sunday against the Texas Rangers, on regular rest.

Haren allowed one run in seven innings to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night, and in his last two starts has 21 strikeouts and no walks in 16 innings. If Haren comes out of his bullpen session with no problems, he will get the start on Sunday afternoon, against Matt Harrison for Texas. Here are the probable starters for the weekend American League West showdown in Anaheim:

The Angels recalled Garrett Richards on Tuesday when Weaver was placed on the disabled list. Richards will be available in the bullpen for the next few games, perhaps through Saturday if his turn in the rotation comes on Tuesday. The Angels could start Ervin Santana, who is pitching Wednesday night against the Yankees, on Monday against the Seattle Mariners on regular rest, or they could give him an extra day and have him pitch Tuesday. Richards figures to start one of those two games, the one that Santana does not pitch.

Angels outfielder Torii Hunter missed 16 games while in Texas with his family dealing with his son's arrest on sexual assault charges, but was 1-for-4 in his return to the Angels on Tuesday night. Manager Mike Scioscia held Hunter out of the lineup on Wednesday, as he is easing Hunter back in, but Hunter will play on Friday against Texas.

"I thought he looked great. He really ran well down the line, and looked good in right field. He came out of it okay," said Scioscia. "He'll get back into the swing of things."

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the Texas Rangers, head on over to Lone Star Ball or check out SB Nation Dallas.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels Vs. Yankees Starting Lineups: Mark Trumbo Back In RIght Field

The Los Angeles Angels look for their ninth straight win and a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Ervin Santana takes the mound in search of winning his third straight decision, opposed by Ivan Nova of New York.

Mark Trumbo returns to right field Wednesday after playing first base on Tuesday. Torii Hunter returned to the Angels on Tuesday night after missing 15 games, but gets the night off on Wednesday. Here are the starting lineups from Anaheim for the series finale:

Yankees (26-23)

Jeter SS
Granderson CF
A-Rod 3B
Cano 2B
Teixeira 1B
Ibanez LF
Swisher RF
Chavez DH
Martin C

Angels (26-25)

Trout LF
Callaspo 3B
Pujols 1B
Morales DH
Trumbo RF
Kendrick 2B
Aybar SS
Bourjos CF
Wilson C

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Brewers Starting Lineups: James Loney Batting Second

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to snap their two-game losing streak on Wednesday night as they host the Milwaukee Brewers in the third game of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium. Clayton Kershaw is on the mound, looking for his fifth win of the season, facing Yovani Gallardo.

James Loney, hitting just .252/.327/.364 this season, is batting second tonight for the first time this season, with Elian Herrera leading off. Tony Gwynn Jr. had done the bulk of leadoff hitting with Matt Kemp on the disabled list and Dee Gordon demoted to the eighth spot, but with Kemp back Gwynn has moved into more of a reserve role. Herrera has batted second nine times this season.

Loney has batted second 17 other times in his career, and has hit .324/.387.544 with six doubles and three home runs during those starts. Loney batted second 14 times in a three-week stretch last season from August 22 to September 12 and the Dodgers went 12-2 in those games.

Here are Wednesday's starting lineups:

Brewers (21-28)

Hart 1B
Aoki RF
Braun LF
Ramirez 3B
Weeks 2B
Ransom SS
Gomez CF
Maldonado C
Gallardo P

Dodgers (32-17)

Herrera 2B
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Ethier RF
Abreu LF
Kennedy 3B
Ellis C
Gordon SS
Kershaw P

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Brewers Game Preview: Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp Aim To Snap Two-Game Skid

The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost two straight games six different times this season, including the first two games of this four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers have yet to lose three straight games this year, and Clayton Kershaw is on the mound Wednesday night to make sure that trend continues.

Kershaw is 4-2 with a 1.97 ERA in 10 starts this season, and has pitched at least seven innings in each of his last seven starts. Unfortunately the Dodgers have averaged just 3.4 runs per game in those starts and are 4-3 despite Kershaw's 1.86 ERA in those seven outings.

Kershaw is coming off a loss Friday night against Houston in which he allowed three runs, two earned, in seven innings. He has a 1.75 ERA in seven home starts this season but has already lost twice at Dodger Stadium, which is one more defeat than last year, when he was 12-1 with a 1.69 ERA at home.

Yovani Gallardo gets the start for Milwaukee, looking for his sixth straight quality start. So far in May, Gallardo is 2-2 with a 2.59 ERA in five starts.

Matt Kemp, who was 1-for-4 with a double in his first game back from the disabled list on Tuesday, is 5-for-15 in his career against Gallardo, with two doubles.

The Dodgers are 21-7 at home this season.

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels Vs. Yankees Game Preview: Albert Pujols, Ervin Santana Go For Sweep Of New York

The Los Angeles Angels look to complete a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, and are also in search of their ninth straight win. The Halos' current eight-game streak is their longest since July 18-25, 2009, and the team hasn't won nine straight games since August 18-27, 2004.

Ervin Santana gets the start for the Angels, looking to continue his turnaround from a poor start. He started the season 0-6, but didn't pitch nearly as bad as his record as the Angels were shutout in five straight Santana starts. In his last six starts he has a 2.85 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 41 innings, though he does have 19 walks during that span.

Ivan Nova gets the call for the Yankees, looking for his sixth win of the season. Nova has 56 strikeouts and just 17 walks in 56 innings this season, but has also given up 12 home runs and sports a 5.46 ERA.

Speaking of home runs, Albert Pujols is getting into quite a groove. He homered in Tuesday's 5-1 win over New York, his fifth home run in eight games.

"He swung the bat very well on the road trip and he has carried it over in this series too," manager Mike Scioscia said after Tuesday's win.

In his last 15 games, Pujols has seven home runs, 16 RBI, and is hitting .333/.388/.717.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Mike Trout Showing Angels He Can Do It All

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 27:  Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is congratulated by teammates after scoring on an RBI single by Kendrys Morales against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 27, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Brewers Final Score: Ryan Braun, Michael Fiers Spoil Matt Kemp's Return, 2-1

Matt Kemp doubled in his return from the disabled list, but was one of the few highlights for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who fell 2-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was the second straight one-run loss to the Brewers, and continued a pattern of close games between these two teams this season:

  • April 17: Brewers 5, Dodgers 4
  • April 18: Brewers 3, Dodgers 2 (10 innings)
  • April 19: Dodgers 4, Brewers 3
  • Monday: Brewers 3, Dodgers 2
  • Tuesday: Brewers 2, Dodgers 1

That's five straight one-run games between these two teams this season, with four of them won by Milwaukee. The Brewers got seven strong innings out of Michael Fiers in his first major league start. The rookie allowed just one run on five hits while striking out three.

The performance by Fiers overshadowed 22-year old Nathan Eovaldi, who was very good in his 2012 debut. Called up from Double A Chattanooga on Tuesday to fill in for the injured Ted Lilly, Eovaldi allowed a first-inning fly ball home run to Ryan Braun but then nothing else. In seven innings, Eovaldi allowed four hits and a walk, while striking out four.

Andre Ethier went 2-for-3 with an RBI double to bring home the only run for the Dodgers in the sixth inning.

Kemp's double led off the ninth inning off closer John Axford, and was followed by Ethier getting hit by a pitch. But Jerry Hairston Jr. tried to bunt the runners over to no avail, and behind on a 1-2 count grounded into a double play that helped squash the rally. With Kemp at third, James Loney grounded out to end the game.

Clayton Kershaw takes the mound trying to snap the Dodgers' two-game losing streak on Wednesday night, facing Yovani Gallardo for Milwaukee.

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels Vs. Yankees Final Score: Albert Pujols Homers, Leads Halos To 8th Straight Win, 5-1

Albert Pujols and Mark Trumbo hit home runs to back Dan Haren's strong pitching, as the Los Angeles Angels won their eighth straight game Monday night, 5-1 over the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. It was the eighth straight win for the Halos.

Haren pitched into the eighth inning, allowing just one run on the night, for his third win of the season. Haren had seven strikeouts and no walks on the night, his second straight start with no walks. During those two starts, Haren has struck out 21 batters.

Pujols went 2-for-4 and scored two runs in addition to hitting a two-run home run in the third inning. It was the fifth home run in the last eight games for Pujols, who served as the designated hitter on Tuesday night.

Mike Trout tripled and scored in the third inning, and also robbed Nick Swisher of a home run with a catch over the wall in left field in the second inning. It was a rough night for Swisher, who had an RBI single but in addition to the near home run was robbed of two doubles by Peter Bourjos in center field.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vin Scully Bobblehead Comes With Catch

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dodger Stadium this season, the Dodgers have unleashed the bobbleheads. They are giving out 10 bobbleheads in all this season, including one commemorating "The Infield" of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell on Tuesday night. But the crown jewel is the Vin Scully bobblehead.

Vin-scully-bobblehead_medium

Scully will be the 10th and final bobblehead given out this season by the Dodgers, on August 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. But fans can't buy single game tickets to this game in hopes of securing a cherished Scully bobblehead.

Rather, fans must buy a ticket package of at least 10 games to get tickets for the August 30 game.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels Vs. Yankees Starting Lineups: Torii Hunter Reinstated From Restricted List, Batting 6th For Halos

The Los Angeles Angels look for their seventh straight win on Tuesday night as they host the New York Yankees in the second game of a three-game series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The Halos welcome back Torii Hunter, who was reinstated from the restricted list after missing 15 games while dealing with his son getting arrested in Texas.

Hunter is playing right field, batting sixth on Tuesday for the Angels. To make room for Hunter on the active roster, the Angels optioned infielder Andrew Romine to Triple A Salt Lake.

Dan Haren gets the start for the Angels Tuesday, looking for his third win of the season. Andy Pettitte takes the mound for the Yankees, making his fourth start of the season. Pettitte is 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA after three starts back with New York.

Here are Tuesday's starting lineups:

Yankees (26-22)

Jeter SS
Granderson CF
Rodriguez DH
Cano 2B
Teixeira 1B
Ibanez LF
Swisher RF
Chavez 3B
Martin C

Angels (25-25)

Trout LF
Izturis 3B
Pujols DH
Trumbo 1B
Kendrick 2B
Hunter RF
Aybar SS
Bourjos CF
Wilson C

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels' Jered Weaver Placed On Disabled List With Lower Back Strain & Spasms

The Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday placed ace starting pitcher Jered Weaver on the disabled list with a lower back strain and spasms, one day after Weaver was forced to leave his Monday night start after just 12 pitches in the first inning.

"As I released the ball, I couldn't bend over. It felt like somebody came up from behind and stabbed me," Weaver said after Monday's game.

Weaver said he still felt stiff and sore after the game, and was to have an MRI exam on Tuesday morning. Obviously those results said enough to warrant a DL trip.

The Angels recalled Garrett Richards from Triple A Salt Lake, where he was 5-1 with a 4.31 ERA in 10 starts.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Brewers Starting Lineups: Matt Kemp Back, Batting Third

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to rebound from Monday's loss when they host the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers' lineup has a familiar face in the third spot in the batting order, as Matt Kemp was activated from the disabled list before Tuesday's game.

Nathan Eovaldi gets the start for the Dodgers in place of the injured Ted Lilly. Eovaldi, 22, was 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA in Double A Chattanooga this season, with 30 strikeouts in 35 innings. Eovaldi isn't the only minor leaguer getting the call-up for Tuesday's start, as Michael Fiers gets the call for the Brewers, fresh up from Triple A Nashville, where he was 1-3 with a 4.42 ERA in 10 starts.

Here are Tuesday's starting lineups:

Brewers (20-28)

Hart RF
Morgan CF
Braun LF
Ramirez 3B
Green 1B
Weeks 2B
Ransom SS
Maldonado C
Fiers P

Dodgers (32-16)

Gwynn LF
DeJesus 2B
Kemp CF
Ethier RF
Hairston 3B
Loney 1B
Ellis C
Gordon SS
Eovaldi P

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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True Blue LA Dodgers Welcome Back Matt Kemp

The waiting is the hardest part.

The Dodgers get a mighty large boost to their lineup on Tuesday night as center fielder Matt Kemp is back from the disabled list after missing 15 days with a strained left hamstring, an apparently contagious injury in the Dodgers clubhouse. Kemp is in tonight's starting lineup, batting third.

To make room for Kemp on the active roster, the Dodgers optioned Jerry Sands back to Triple A Albuquerque. Sands was 4-for-20 with two doubles in his third stint in the major leagues.

Kemp hit a pair of home runs and was 5-for-7 in his two minor league rehab games in Albuquerque, and looks to return to the form that saw him win National League Player of the Month honors in April. Kemp hit 12 home runs in 23 games in April to set a new Dodgers franchise record for the month, but had no home runs in 11 games in May.

Kemp initially felt tightness in his left hamstring on May 6 in Chicago and was scratched from the starting lineup at Wrigley Field. Kemp was 4-for-20 with a double and three walks in seven games between then and May 13, when Kemp felt something again in his hamstring against Colorado. Kemp went on the disabled list the next day mired in an 0-for-14 slump.

The Dodgers actually acquitted themselves quite well without Kemp, going 9-5 without their superstar. The Dodgers averaged 4.57 runs per game and hit .292/.351/.420 while Kemp was away, after hitting .262/.340/.407 and scoring 4.44 runs per game with Kemp.

Tony Gwynn Jr. started 12 of the 14 games in center field and hit .304/.316/.357 with six runs scored and eight RBI.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Activate Matt Kemp From Disabled List

The Los Angeles Dodgers get their superstar back on Tuesday night as center fielder Matt Kemp has been activated from the disabled list before their game with the Milwaukee Brewers. Kemp returned back to Los Angeles Monday night after two rehab games with Triple A Albuquerque, in which he was 5-for-7 with two home runs.

Kemp is playing center field tonight for the Dodgers, hitting third.

Kemp was placed on the disabled list on May 14 with a left hamstring strain that was bothering him for more than a week. He was originally scratched from the lineup on May 6 at Wrigley Field in Chicago when he felt tightness in his left hamstring.

Kemp set a Dodgers franchise record with 12 home runs in 23 games in April, but thus far in May is homerless in 11 games, though seven of those games were when Kemp was dealing with his hamstring issues, during which time he went 4-for-20.

The Dodgers not only stayed afloat without Kemp, but thrived, going 9-5 while averaging 4.57 runs per game in his absence. The Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 32-16.

To make room on the roster for Kemp, the Dodgers optioned Jerry Sands to Triple A Albuquerque.

Despite missing 14 games, Kemp is still tied for third in the National League with 12 home runs, one behind Ryan Braun of the Brewers and three behind league-leader Carlos Beltran of the St. Louis Cardinals.

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Recall Nathan Eovaldi From Double A For Tuesday Start

The Los Angeles Dodgers made official on Tuesday what most have known since at least Sunday, that Nathan Eovaldi would start tonight against the Milwaukee Brewers in place of the injured Ted Lilly. The Dodgers officially recalled the 22-year old Eovaldi from Double A Chattanooga on Tuesday, taking the roster spot created when pitcher Michael Antonini was optioned back to Triple A after a one-day stint with the Dodgers.

Eovaldi, who was 1-2 with a 3.63 ERA in 10 games, including six starts for the Dodgers last season, was 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA in Double A this season. He had his scheduled start on Saturday changed to a one-inning relief appearance, in which he struck out all three batters he faced.

Lilly was placed on the disabled list on Monday with left shoulder inflammation. It is unknown just how much time he will miss.

Eovaldi was called up earlier this season for three days, as an extra reliever from April 27-29, but he did not pitch in any of those games.

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

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True Blue LA Nathan Eovaldi & Dodgers Sixth Starters

Nathan Eovaldi didn't get to pitch during the three days he was with the Dodgers earlier this year. That changes Tuesday night.

The worst kept secret in the world will become official later today, as Nathan Eovaldi will be recalled from Double A Chattanooga to start for the Dodgers tonight in place of Ted Lilly, who was placed on the disabled list on Monday. Eovaldi was called up earlier this season for three games against the Washington Nationals, but he did not pitch in any of the games.

Eovaldi has had three one-inning appearances in Double A this season, each one in preparation of possibly getting recalled, including a relief appearance Saturday in which he struck out all three batters he faced. In his six real starts with Chattanooga, Eovaldi was 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA with 13 walks and 26 strikeouts in 32 innings.

Game 49 is the latest into the season the Dodgers have used a sixth starter in 14 years. Not since Dave Mlicki started game number 61 in 1998 have the Dodgers gone this far into a season needing just five starters. Here is a look back at the first time a sixth starter was used over the last 13 years.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Jered Weaver Injury: Angels Pitcher To Have MRI Exam On Lower Back

Los Angeles Angels ace starting pitcher Jered Weaver had to leave Monday night's game against the New York Yankees in the first inning after facing just three batters and throwing 12 pitches after suffering a lower back injury. Weaver will undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the severity of the injury and to see whether or not he needs to be placed on the disabled list.

"As I released the ball, I couldn't bend over," Weaver said. "It felt like somebody came up from behind and stabbed me."

Weaver couldn't move around very much and spend most of the game on the training table. He was still very sore after the game.

"It's pretty painful. I can't really bend over too much. The muscle relaxers are helping a little bit," Weaver said after the game. "I've never had something like that happen before."

Weaver has been on the disabled list once in his career, to begin the 2007 season, with biceps tendinitis, though he did also miss a pair of starts in September 2008 with a lacerated finger.

Despite trailing 3-0 after the top of the first inning, with all three unearned runs charged to Weaver, the Angels came back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the first, then Mark Trumbo hit a tie-breaking, game-winning, walk-off home run to lead off the ninth inning to give the Angels a 9-8 win.

"It was awesome to watch from the training table," Weaver said. "Mark's home run was very exciting and kind of helped out the pain a little bit."

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Jered Weaver Injury: Angels Ace Placed On Disabled List

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 28:  Starting pitcher Jered Weaver #36 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is attended to after injuring himself, as manager Mike Scioscia (L) and Howard Kendrick (R) #47 look on in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 28, 2012 in Anaheim, California.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels Vs. Yankees Final Score: Mark Trumbo Caps Big Night With Walk-Off Home Run

Mark Trumbo capped a big night with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to give the Los Angeles Angels a 9-8 victory over the New York Yankees Monday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The home run was one of three hits for Trumbo, who fell just a single shy of the cycle.

It was the third career walk-off home run for Trumbo and his second career game with three extra-base hits.

But the story after the game was the same as the story at the beginning of the game: the health of Jered Weaver. The Halos' ace left after throwing just 12 pitches in the first inning. He allowed a pair of singles followed by a potential double play grounder that was booted by Erick Aybar. Then on his first pitch to Robinson Cano, Weaver suffered a back injury.

"As I released the ball, I couldn't bend over," Weaver said. "It felt like somebody came up from behind and stabbed me."

Weaver, who felt stiff after the game and still could not move around much or bend over, will have an MRI exam on Tuesday morning. Even if the Angels don't need to make a roster move for Weaver, they might need to add a pitcher before Tuesday's game as their bullpen was taxed in relief of Weaver.

"We're going to look at a couple of things tonight and tomorrow, and see what we need. We had a lot of innings out of our pen tonight," said manager Mike Scioscia on possibly dipping into the minor leagues for a pitcher or two. "We have some arms down there that we'll consider."

The win was the seventh straight for the Angels, and moved them to .500 for the first time since the second game of the season. Did reaching the break even point have any significance to manager Mike Scioscia?

"Absolutely none," he said after the game, as the Angels remain six and a half games behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Option Michael Antonini To Triple A

After their 3-2 loss Monday night to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned pitcher Michael Antonini back to Triple A Albuquerque, a move that was expected. The Dodgers had just recalled Antonini before Monday's game when pitcher Ted Lilly was placed on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation.

Antonini was recalled to give the Dodgers an extra relief pitcher for Monday's game, as Lilly's spot in the rotation doesn't come up until Tuesday. Nathan Eovaldi is expected to get the call from Double A Chattanooga to take Lilly's spot in the rotation.

It has been a bittersweet year for Antonini, who was added to the 40-man roster for the first time last November. He was recalled for three games in April, his first time on a major league roster, but he didn't get to pitch in any of those games either. That makes two big league stints for Antonini totaling four days, but no games pitched, so far.

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Brewers Final Score: Aramis Ramirez, Shaun Marcum Beat L.A. 3-2

Shaun Marcum pitched seven strong innings Monday night, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for the Dodgers, who fell to 21-6 at home.

Andre Ethier collected his National League-leading 42nd RBI with a double in the bottom of the first, but that was the only run allowed by Marcum. In seven innings, the right-hander allowed six hits and two walks, and struck out nine, and picked up his third win of the season.

Dodgers starter Aaron Harang had little trouble through five innings, allowing only a solo home run to Aramis Ramirez. But Harang ran into trouble in the sixth inning, which began with a throwing error by Harang. After a walk to Ryan Braun, Ramirez delivered an RBI single which chased Harang from the game.

Javy Guerra allowed one inherited runner to score on a sacrifice fly, but that was all Milwaukee would score for the rest of the game.

The Dodgers pulled to within a run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Jerry Hairston Jr., but Brewers closer John Axford closed the door in the ninth inning for his eighth save of the season. Hairston went 2-for-3 with a walk on the night, and is 9-for-12 in four games since returning from the disabled list on Friday.

Dodgers' 27-year old rookie second baseman Elian Herrera went 0-for-4 with a sacrifice bunt on Monday to snap his hitting streak at nine games. Monday was the only start for Herrera so far this season that he has failed to get at least one hit.

Nahan Eovaldi, fresh up from Double A Chatanooga, will start the second game of the series for the Dodgers on Tuesday, facing Michael Fiers, fresh up from Triple A.

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Angels' Jered Weaver Leaves Game After 3 Batters

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver was forced to leave Monday night's game against the New York Yankees after just three batters with an apparent lower back. Weaver threw one pitch to Yankees' cleanup hitter Robinson Cano and landed awkwardly off the mound and appeared to be favoring his right leg.

After getting briefly examined by the training staff, Weaver tried to throw a warmup pitch but was unable to get anything on the pitch and was forced to leave. Weaver yelled into his glove as he walked off the field on his own power.

Weaver, who in his last home start pitched a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins on May 2, allowed hits to Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson to open Monday's game. Alex Rodriguez hit a hard smash to shortstop that was booted by Erick Aybar, allowing Jeter to score and Granderson to advance to third base.

Bobby Cassevah came in in relief of Weaver, with no outs in the first inning, runners on first and third, and a 1-0 count on Cano, with the Halos trailin the Yankees 2-0.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, head on over to Pinstripe Alley or check out SB Nation New York.

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SB Nation Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Brewers Starting Lineups: Jonathan Lucroy Out With Hand Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers look for their third straight win on Monday night as they host the Milwaukee Brewers for the first of four games at Dodger Stadium. Aaron Harang gets the call on the mound for the Dodgers, who are 21-5 at home this season.

Shaun Marcum gets the start for Milwaukee, who will be without catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who hurt his hand in a bizarre accident. "He was reaching under his hotel room bed Sunday night for a lost sock when his wife shifted a suitcase, which fell on Lucroy’s hand," wrote Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. In place of Lucroy, the Brewers will have Jonathan Lucroy at catcher.

Brewers (19-28)

Hart 1B
Aoki RF
Braun LF
Ramirez 3B
Kottaras C
Weeks 2B
Ransom SS
Morgan CF
Marcum P

Dodgers (32-15)

Gwynn CF
Herrera 2B
Abreu LF
Ethier RF
Hairston 3B
Loney 1B
Ellis C
Gordon SS
Harang P

For more news and information on the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.

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