Los Angeles Bullpen Steps Up In The Absence Of Their Injured Ace

Dodgers Survive Clayton Kershaw’s Early Exit, Hold Off Diamondbacks

Los Angeles’ bullpen steps up in the absence of their injured ace

Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Arizona Diamondbacks 3

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los Angeles Dodgers survived an early exit by Clayton Kershaw to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw departs with injury

Kershaw, who was making his second start of the season, left the game after just 1 2/3 innings with left forearm tightness.

The injury is not believed to be serious, but it is a concern for the Dodgers, who are already without several key players due to injury.

Bullpen steps up

The Dodgers’ bullpen stepped up in Kershaw’s absence, with five relievers combining to allow just two runs on five hits over the final 7 1/3 innings.

Phil Bickford pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings

Brusdar Graterol pitched 2 scoreless innings

Yency Almonte pitched 1 scoreless inning

David Price allowed two runs on three hits in 1 2/3 innings

Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his fifth save of the season.

Offense provides support

The Dodgers’ offense provided just enough support for the bullpen, scoring five runs on eight hits.

Mookie Betts went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

Freddie Freeman went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Will Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run.

Diamondbacks threaten late

The Diamondbacks threatened to tie the game in the ninth inning, but Kimbrel struck out pinch-hitter Josh Rojas to end the game.

Up next

The Dodgers will continue their series against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.

Julio Urías will start for the Dodgers, while Merrill Kelly will start for the Diamondbacks.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PT.

Conclusion

The Dodgers’ victory was a gritty one, as they overcame the early exit of Kershaw and a late rally by the Diamondbacks.

The bullpen was outstanding, and the offense provided just enough support.

The Dodgers will now look to take the series from the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.