STL@COL: White allows two runs over 5 1/3 frames
In the midst of a tight National League West race, these days every game is of utmost importance for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
To manager Don Mattingly, that means every game — no matter the opponent or the opposing pitcher — is dangerous.
Like all the others, Tuesday night’s contest against Colorado is one of those dangerous games, as the Dodgers look to avenge a disappointing 2-0 loss in Monday’s series opener. A victory would have propelled Los Angeles into first place, but instead the Giants maintained their half-game edge in the division.
“I just think every game is dangerous,” Mattingly said. “You do have to win every game you can win, and you’ve got to try to think about winning the series, and if you get an opportunity after that, you go for the jugular. But first you have to win game one and that’s where you set your sights.”
Alex White (2-6, 6.16 ERA) will be on the hill for the Rockies after a strong first start since being recalled from Triple-A. He took the no-decision on Thursday against the Cardinals, allowing two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings.
White induced 12 ground-ball outs during the start, which he attributed to his changeup.
“It was really more trying to develop a changeup,” White said after the outing. “That’s all I’ve really done — get my command back, get my consistency back and develop a changeup.”
White will be opposed by Dodger right-hander Aaron Harang, who was originally scheduled to pitch on Sunday. But in order to accomodate for the newly acquired Joe Blanton, his start was pushed back, while Chris Capuano kept his scheduled rotation slot on Monday.
“Aaron ends up on seven [days’ rest], and really, as we did the numbers with him, seven days he was better than with six,” Mattingly said.
Rockies: Life after Helton
• On Monday, the Rockies learned they’ll be without Todd Helton for the rest of the season, as the five-time All-Star first baseman will undergo hip surgery on Friday.
“We have a lot of different avenues to go down with a lot of different names,” manager Jim Tracy said when asked who would receive the bulk of the time at first base in Helton’s place.
Matt McBride got the start Monday, and he went 0-for-4. Tracy said he expects to mix and match McBride, Tyler Colvin and Jordan Pacheco. Michael Cuddyer will also receive time at first when he returns from the disabled list.
Dodgers: Sands back in big leagues
• The Dodgers called up outfielder Jerry Sands from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, and they designated Tony Gwynn for assignment to make room.
Sands said he adjusted his swing about a month ago, leading to his Pacific Coast League-leading nine homers and 28 RBIs since the All-Star break.
“I’m a little more comfortable at the plate, so it’s easier to go up there and know what I’m doing,” Sands said. “I wouldn’t say a whole lot has changed other than that, just being comfortable and having my old swing.”
In a stint with the Dodgers in May, Sands had four hits in 20 at-bats.
Worth noting
• Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .400 in 15 at-bats against Harang with three extra-base hits and five RBIs.
• A victory Tuesday would give the Rockies their first series victory at Dodger Stadium since September 2010.• In seven games against Colorado this season, Dodgers All-Star center fielder Matt Kemp is hitting just 4-for-22, though he has drawn six walks against Rockies pitching.
