The Los Angeles Dodgers hope that inserting Casey Blake into their lineup will help their struggling offense, as they close out a brief two-game series at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies. Blake was activated from the disabled list before today's game, one day after the Dodgers were shutout in Denver for just the third time in 18 years. The Dodgers optioned infielder Ivan DeJesus to Triple A after last night's game to make room on the roster for Blake.
Blake last played on March 12, when he felt tightness in his back trying to beat out a bunt (yes, a bunt). He missed a few weeks with inflammation near his spine, and was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to March 22, the earliest date possible heading into the season. Blake played in several minor league games in Arizona over the last few weeks, often getting between seven and nine at-bats per game.
Chad Billingsley gets the start for the Dodgers, who are off tomorrow. Billingsley allowed three runs in six innings on Friday against the Giants, picking up the win. Jason Hammel makes his first start of the season for the Rockies. Today's 12:10 p.m. PDT game is televised on Prime Ticket.
For more news and information on the Dodgers and today's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.