Dodgers' Ethier Leaves Game, Receives X-Ray After Being Hit By Pitch
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBSLA.com/AP) — Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier left Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox after he was hit on his right elbow by a pitch.
Ethier fell to the dirt in pain after he was plunked by rookie Carlos Rodon in the third. He was replaced by Chris Heisey, who homered in the fifth.
X-rays on Ethier's elbow were negative, and he is expected to play Thursday against the Angels in Anaheim.
Ethier and rookie Joc Pederson are competing for a starting job in the outfield. Ethier is batting .313 in spring, and Pederson has a .368 average.
Manager Don Mattingly has yet to announce his starting lineup.
White Sox slugger Jose Abreu went 4 for 4 with an RBI double, and Rodon allowed four hits in 5 1-3 innings. Melky Cabrera had a sacrifice fly.
Dodgers right-hander Joe Wieland allowed nine hits and two runs in five innings in his first spring start.
Wieland was acquired in the December trade that sent Matt Kemp to San Diego. With Hyun-Jin Ryu hampered by an ailing left shoulder, Wieland could make the Dodgers' opening-day roster.
"I feel like I'm in a good position to take a spot if I'm called," he said.
Ryu, who appeared in only two spring games, is expected to begin the season on the disabled list.
Mattingly was impressed with Wieland's ability to change speeds on his pitches.
"He's in the discussion," Mattingly said.
Rodon, the No. 3 pick in last year's draft, struck out two and walked two after being told he would begin the season at Triple-A Charlotte
"I'll do whatever I have to get up there," Rodon said. "If that means wearing my underwear inside-out, that's what I'll do."
Reigning NL MVP Clayton Kershaw will make his final appearance of the Spring on Wednesday.
ON THE TEAM
The White Sox said reliever Matt Albers, outfielder J.B. Schuck and catcher Geovany Soto had made the opening-day roster.
Albers agreed to a minor league contract in February. The reliever had a 5.14 ERA over seven innings in spring.
Soto, who won the 2008 NL Rookie of the Year award with the Cubs, finalized a minor league deal with the White Sox in January. Schuck was claimed off waivers from the Indians in November.
TRAINER'S ROOM
White Sox: Reliever Jesse Crain will stay at Camelback Ranch after the team breaks camp Thursday. Crain missed all of last season with Houston following biceps surgery.
Dodgers: Pitcher Chad Gaudin is suffering from an irritated nerve in his neck. It's not known when he will resume throwing.
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