First Cactus League game for the 2023 Dodgers, so take the following with an extra large pinch (or more) of salt.

Pace of Play:

The pitch clock is hokey, but I enjoyed watching a faster paced game.

Pitching:

Justin Bruihl, Jordan Yamamoto, and Justin Hagenman were hit hard and often in their respective inning pitched. Other than one bad pitch, Dodgers 2018 second-round draft pick Michael Grove looked good against the top of the Brewers batting order.

Hitting:

Freddie Freeman and J.D. Martinez looked like they are ready for the regular season. If center field is a competition, James Outman helped himself with a sharp single and walk.

Andy Pages, the team’s highly regarded, 22-year-old outfield prospect, appeared to be in tip-top shape; he hit a rope into left field for an RBI single.

Miscellaneous:

Luke Williams‘ third base defense looked very good.

Infielder Yonny Hernandez might benefit from dropping about 20 pounds.

Yusniel Diaz returns to the Dodgers after being traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2018 as part of the trade for Manny Machado. Perhaps he can regain some of the promise he once had as a top outfield prospect, but he also looks to be carrying extra weight.

Great to be watching Dodgers baseball again!

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