Eibner optioned, Verdugo among four reassigned

Brett Eibner hits a home run March 18 in a 13–7 Dodgers win against the White Sox. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

The Dodgers continued trimming the numbers of players at big-league camp following their Tuesday matchup against the Brewers at Camelbach Ranch.

Outfielder Brett Eibner was optioned, while infielder/outfielder Darnell Sweeney, infielders José Miguel Fernández and Willie Calhoun and outfielder Alex Verdugo were reassigned to minor league camp.

The Dodgers now have 46 players remaining in big-league camp, excluding Yimi Garcia, who’s on the 60-day disabled list. The moves were made after the Dodgers fell, 5–4 at Camelback Ranch against the Brewers.

Hyun-Jin Ryu wasn’t responsible for any of those runs, as the Dodger starter tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two. Ryu, who’s only allowed a run in nine spring innings, shrunk his already notable Cactus League WHIP down to 0.67 with another strong performance.

He also helped himself at the plate, breaking a scoreless game in the fourth inning with an RBI single to center field. But the Dodgers’ lead didn’t last long. Luis Avilan, who entered the game having allowed just three hits, a run and a walk while striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings this spring, surrendered four runs without recording an out.

Justin Turner went 3-for-3 on the day with his second home run of the spring, raising his Cactus League batting average over .400 in the process. His day was over by the time the Dodgers made a late push, cutting the deficit to a run in the eighth inning before going down in order in the ninth.

Up Next: The Dodgers get their second off day of the spring Wednesday before Clayton Kershaw takes the mound Thursday against the Rangers.

Lasorda, Nomo at World Baseball Classic

Two all-time Dodger greats will be part of the championship round festivities at the World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium before Tuesday’s matchup between Team USA and Team Japan.

Former All-Star Hideo Nomo will throw out the first pitch to represent Team Japan, and he’ll receive the ball from Hall of Fame manager (and his former manager) Tommy Lasorda, who will be on the field on behalf of Team USA.