Three-Inning Save: A Los Angeles Dodgers Podcast

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look at an American League-heavy schedule for the Dodgers to close out August and start September. We also catch up on the progress of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw a simulated game last week in St. Louis and will likely throw a few more. He could conceivably pitch a few times in September as a possible October tuneup. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, Tyler Glasnow is back on the injured list and we take stock of the Dodgers pitching staff, whose depth has been severely tested. Freddie Freeman jammed his finger, Mookie Betts returned from a broken hand and had a solid first week back. The Dodgers also got Walker Buehler back from the injured list but he didn’t pitch well in his first game back, and the Dodgers cycled through rookies Landon Knack and Justin Wrobleski before calling back a struggling Bobby Miller to fill in for a few starts. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we take stock of the various players returning to the Dodgers this week and next. Mookie Betts, Walker Buehler, and Ryan Brasier are back this week on the road trip, with Max Muncy and Tommy Edman due back next week on the homestand. Yoshinobu Yamamoto looms as he nears a rehab assignment, too. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap a winning homestand for the Dodgers, who did lose a series against the Phillies but then swept the Pirates. Teoscar Hernández is on fire, Tyler Glasnow is pitching like an ace, and we try to figure out what obstruction means. Also, brutal injuries for River Ryan and Brusdar Graterol, and a triumphant and emotional return for Freddie Freeman. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we dig into Shohei Ohtani, who is the third Dodgers player ever with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. Ohtani is the first primary DH in MLB history with a 30-30 season, and he tied Jose Canseco among all 30-30 seasons as the fourth-fastest to reach the milestone, at just 111 team games into the season. We take a look at how high Ohtani’s numbers might go. Also, Anthony Banda joined the save club, the 10th different Dodger to record a save in 2024. We look back at recent LA history with obscure game savers. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap a busy trade deadline, before which the Dodgers acquired five players in a total of four trades. Plus we recap a very up-and-down week, losing both games to the Padres in San Diego, including a blown 5-0 lead in the opener. The Dodgers were 2-3 on the week, with wins in the final two games in Oakland. Jack Flaherty pitched six scoreless innings in his Dodgers debut, and fellow newcomer Michael Kopech struck out four in two perfect innings of relief. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look back at a 4-3 week, and a bumpy weekend in Houston, marked by a pair of pitching decisions by Dave Roberts. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look ahead to the Dodgers a few days ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. The Dodgers got Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw back this week, but are in the market for a starter. We look at Garrett Crochet and Jack Flaherty. The Dodgers also lost Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor to the injured list, and Mookie Betts is still a few weeks away, and the shortstop trade market is thin. Luis Rengifo could make sense for the Dodgers in the infield. In the outfield, we looked at Luis Robert Jr. and Randy Arozarena as potential Dodgers targets, but this was recorded before Arozarena was traded to the Mariners. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we salute Teoscar Hernández for being the first Dodgers player ever to win the Home Run Derby. Hernández is also starting the All-Star Game along with Shohei Ohtani on Tuesday in Texas. Freddie Freeman and Will Smith are the other active Dodgers on the National League roster as reserves. To that end, we look at recent All-Star trivia and history. Also, a look at the growing list of Dodgers pitchers, plus who might join the list later in the season. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, it was a rebound week for the Dodgers, with a sweep of the Red Sox after the All-Star break. Shohei Ohtani hit two memorable home runs last week: a three-run shot in the All-Star Game, the first by a Dodger in the midsummer classic in 28 years; and a 473-foot blast on Sunday that very nearly cleared the entire right field pavilion at Dodger Stadium. Against the Red Sox, the Dodgers trailed in the eighth inning on Friday, then trailed in the ninth and 10th innings on Saturday. But they persevered and won all three games anyway, thanks to contributions from up and down the lineup. Gavin Lux had four extra-base hits in a row and offered some nice perspective on his trying season. Backup catcher Austin Barnes has a nine-game hit streak, and hit his first home run of the season on Sunday. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look back at a hell week for the Dodgers, losing five of six games on the road to the Phillies and Tigers. The club’s thinning pitching staff took more hits and the burden created by the starting rotation finally made the bullpen crack. And that’s before considering the underperformance from a large number of hitters. With Mookie Betts and Max Muncy not due back until August, the Dodgers basically are running two thirds of a lineup out there in nearly every game. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we salute Teoscar Hernández for being the first Dodgers player ever to win the Home Run Derby. Hernández is also starting the All-Star Game along with Shohei Ohtani on Tuesday in Texas. Freddie Freeman and Will Smith are the other active Dodgers on the National League roster as reserves. To that end, we look at recent All-Star trivia and history. Also, a look at the growing list of Dodgers pitchers, plus who might join the list later in the season. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we note the six Dodgers named to the National League All-Star roster, and the busy week ahead. The MLB Draft starts Sunday and runs for three days. The Future Game is Saturday, and the Home Run Derby is Monday before the All-Star Game itself on Tuesday in Texas. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recount a busy week of pitching roster moves, and a struggling staff. D-backs first baseman Christian Walker hit five home runs in three games at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers split six games against Arizona and Milwaukee, and Justin Wrobleski made his major league debut with a spot start on Sunday. Plus rehab updates on Clayton Kershaw and Joe Kelly, and more. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Willie Randolph, the second baseman who played parts of two seasons with the Dodgers, including making the All-Star team in 1989. Randolph played 18 years in the majors, including 13 years with the Yankees, and was part of four World Series teams and two championship teams in New York. The six-time All-Star played with the Dodgers in 1989-90, and was traded to Oakland for former Dodgers Rewind subject Stan Javier. Related reading: Willie Randolph’s SABR bio, written by Nancy Snell Griffith. The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look at various’ Dodgers chances of making the All-Star team, with Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández likely starting plus reserve chances for Freddie Freeman and Will Smith, and maybe one or two pitchers. Also, trivia regarding Gavin Stone’s shutout last week, and questions regarding the Dodgers and acquiring starting pitching at the trade deadline. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we worry about the pitching staff after short starts last week by Bobby Miller, Tyler Glasnow, and James Paxton taxing the bullpen, while also exalting Gavin Stone, who pitched a shutout. With no real immediate cavalry in sight, the Dodgers rotation has little margin for error over the next few weeks as it navigates into the All-Star break and beyond. Also, an appreciation for the magnificent season Miguel Rojas is having both offensively and defensively. Plus how Chris Taylor has broken out of the doldrums and will get a runway at third base to see if something clicks. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look at the Dodgers pitching staff at the moment, with Walker Buehler getting a reset with another trip to the injured list. In the last week-plus, the Dodgers lost Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Buehler, with the latter more of a reset as Buehler works through kinks in his mechanics and delivery. They got back Bobby Miller and inserted Landon Knack for now in the rotation. We look at the run of off days on the schedule and what that might mean this week for the pitching staff, plus the Dodgers playing it cautious with Clayton Kershaw, who started a rehab assignment of his own. Also, a look at the weird schedule this week which includes the Dodgers and Angels having Sunday off after a two-game series. Plus loads of Dodgers trivia about the Angels and Rockies. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we marvel at the many majestic home runs and other exploits of Shohei Ohtani, who is now leading off for the Dodgers. Ohtani hit four home runs last week, and has an extra-base hit in seven straight games, but was also joined by others in the lineup around him, including a productive 7-8-9 group that has struggled all year with a rotating cast of characters. Plus an update on Max Muncy, who is “stir crazy” waiting for his oblique to heal and will be out until at least the All-Star break. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look to the return of Bobby Miller after missing 10 weeks with shoulder inflammation, replacing the injured Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Also, a look at the weird schedule this week which includes the Dodgers and Angels having Sunday off after a two-game series. Plus loads of Dodgers trivia about the Angels and Rockies. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we discuss the aftermath of the injuries to Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Also, a look at the top of the Dodgers lineup, which now has Will Smith batting second to break up left-handed hitters Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Miguel Rojas will take over the bulk of the time at shortstop, and we look at how the rest of the roster will adjust, including more time for Chris Taylor in the infield and Miguel Vargas in left field against left-handed pitching. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap an absolutely brutal weekend at Dodger Stadium during which Mookie Betts broke a bone in his left hand and Yoshinobu Yamamoto suffered a strained rotator cuff. Both are expected to miss several weeks, if not months. Craig Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus shared data from the site's injury recovery database, showing recent pitchers with a rotator cuff strain miss an average of 64 days, while a broken hand averages 53 days away. We'll dig into more details on what's next for the Dodgers on our next episode, but for the coming week ahead at least, Miguel Vargas will be called up from Triple-A to take Betts' roster spot, Miguel Rojas will see the bulk of time at shortstop with a smattering of Kiké Hernández, Bobby Miller will return from his own long injured-list stint on Wednesday, and Landon Knack might make a spot start next weekend against the Angels. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers traded for Cavan Biggio, the utility player who was designated for assignment last week. Biggio has struggled at the plate, but the bottom of the Dodgers lineup is used to that. His numbers compare favorably to Kiké Hernández and Chris Taylor, and Biggio bats left-handed, unlike those two right-handers. Biggio’s addition gives the Dodgers a left-handed option at third base with Max Muncy still out with a strained oblique. Plus Biggio can play second base and corner outfield spots if needed. This wasn’t a needle-moving trade by any means, but he fits a specific Dodgers need in the moment. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look ahead to the Dodgers playing an entire week of games against the American League, part of a 9-game interleague stretch on the schedule. This week brings the return of Corey Seager to Dodger Stadium for the first time since he signed with the Rangers. Plus we look back at the Dodgers’ history in interleague play, dating back to 1997. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap an exciting weekend series between the Dodgers and Yankees at Dodger Stadium, and the incredible weekend by outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Yankee Stadium saw a great game by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, some stellar patchwork relief by the taxed Dodgers bullpen, and Aaron Judge continued to be a menace for New York. In all the Dodgers won two of three games. Plus updates on the bottom of the Dodgers lineup, including a home run by Kiké Hernández and a three-hit game by Gavin Lux. Bobby Miller is getting closer to a return to the rotation, and what might the Dodgers do once he returns? The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Al Downing, who won 20 games, made an All-Star team, and won Comeback Player of the Year with the Dodgers in 1971. Downing also famously allowed Henry Aaron’s 715th home run, in 1974, but Downing had a distinguished career, pitching 17 seasons in the majors, including seven years with the Dodgers and nine years with the Yankees. The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look ahead to the Dodgers and Yankees playing in New York, by also looking to the past. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap strong Dodgers pitching that led to five wins in six games last week against the Mets and Rockies. The offense has been struggling in a relative sense, even Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman at the top of the lineup. The situation has been exacerbated with Max Muncy out since mid-May. His oblique injury will likely linger well into June. Evan Phillips is back off the injured list, adding more stability to the bullpen. Plus updates on rehabbing pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we take stock of several injured Dodgers and see when Bobby Miller, Evan Phillips, and Max Muncy might return to the team. Also, we look back on the first third of the 2024 season, what went right and what went wrong, plus thoughts on struggles from hitters in the bottom third of the lineup. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we catch up on two weeks’ worth of Dodgers news, with a five-game losing streak front and center. The offense has struggled for most of May, having a hard time getting production outside of the top 6 hitters in the lineup. And since Max Muncy has been out with an oblique strain, it’s only a top 5 in the lineup now. Also, we go over the constant churn through Dodgers pitchers and how that bubble burst over the last week, contributing to the losing streak. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Pete Mikkelsen, a right-handed reliever who pitched for the Dodgers from 1969-1972. Mikkelsen had the first four-inning save in Dodgers history, in 1969, when he closed out the final win of Don Drysdale’s legendary career. Mikkelsen pitched in nine major league seasons for the Yankees, Pirates, Cubs, Cardinals, and Dodgers. The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers offense hit a snag in San Diego, dropping their first series in three weeks. But strong pitching has kept the team in every game, and fueled a hot streak. Walker Buehler struggled in his first two starts back after missing nearly two years recovering from Tommy John surgery, which was to be expected. Several high-leverage relief pitchers are injured, including Evan Phillips and Joe Kelly. But the pitching staff rolls on, allowing four or fewer runs in 19 straight games, the longest stretch in franchise history. Teoscar Hernández had several clutch hits last week and Freddie Freeman found his power stroke, but the Dodgers offense struggled recently, with just nine runs on 13 hits over their last four games. Still, they won two of those games thanks to strong pitching. Before the Dodgers lost a road series to the Padres, they swept the Marlins at home, giving Los Angeles three winning weeks in a row. Up next this week, a road series in San Francisco before returning home to face the Reds. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers kept rolling with another 5-1 week and a sweep of the Braves. Now, Walker Buehler is back in the majors. The last week for the Dodgers included a game delayed nearly two hours by bees in a stadium that has a roof, Shohei Ohtani gave Dave Roberts a toy car then hit three home runs in two days, Max Muncy hit three home runs in a game, and LA got fantastic starting pitching. The rotation gets a boost on Monday with the return of Walker Buehler from Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair, making his first MLB start in 696 days. Also, we talk about how the Dodgers bullpen will be used in the next few weeks with closer Evan Phillips on the injured list and Blake Treinen back. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen talks to Kris Willis of Battery Power to preview this weekend's three-game series at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers and Braves met in back-to-back NLCS in 2020 and 2021, with each team winning a championship in those years. Both teams have won 100 or more games in the last two seasons too, but both were bounced in the Division Series. In 2024, both teams are strong again, but also dealing with pitching injuries and while the overall offensive numbers are good for both the Dodgers and Braves, both are dealing with struggles in parts of the lineup. Here's a look ahead to what should be a fun weekend series in Los Angeles. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap a winning road trip for the Dodgers, and discuss MLB agreeing to fix the great 2024 uniform fiasco. The Dodgers won five out of six games on the road last week, sweeping the Nationals then taking a series against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Mookie Betts stayed ridiculously hot, both at the plate and on the bases. Shohei Ohtani hit two memorable home runs, including one that tied him with Dave Roberts. The team also got great pitching, including the best start of April by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow continuing to pitch like an ace, Gavin Stone setting a career high in innings in a game, and Landon Knack earning his first major league win. Andy Pages impressed as a rookie, and will get a long leash to continue to do so with Jason Heyward progressing slowly from his back injury. Plus, rehab updates on Walker Buehler, Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, and Kyle Hurt. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap a rough homestand for the Dodgers, who lost three series in a row at Dodger Stadium. There were troubles with runners in scoring position, and especially so with the bases loaded, too many strikeouts for the hitters, and the continued issue of having the bottom of the lineup produce. The bullpen has struggled as well, and the team just hasn’t been in sync for the last two weeks or so. Among the positives though last week was Shohei Ohtani passing Hideki Matsui for the most home runs in MLB by a player born in Japan, and the Dodgers had three major league debuts – outfielder Andy Pages, plus pitchers Landon Knack and Ricky Vanasco – all in the same series. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we interview Andy McCullough about his new book, 'The Last of His Kind: Clayton Kershaw and the Burden of Greatness.' McCullough has covered baseball for over a decade, including covering the Dodgers for the Los Angeles Times, and currently writes at The Athletic, and also co-hosts The Roundtable podcast about MLB as well. You can follow Andy on Twitter at @ByMcCullough. In this interview, McCullough details how the Kershaw book came about, his process of researching and writing the book, plus various highlights along the way, and McCullough's perspective along the way. You can pre-order 'The Last of His Kind: Clayton Kershaw and the Burden of Greatness' from Hachette Book Group, before its wide release on May 7. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we marvel at the details of the criminal complaint against Ippei Mizzuhara, who was charged with bank fraud and stealing over $16 million from Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani and the Dodgers say they want to move on and focus on baseball, and Ohtani for the most part has, going on an extra-base barrage that included tying Hideki Matsui for most home runs in major league history by a player born in Japan. We also take stock of the Dodgers pitching staff with Bobby Miller landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, and Walker Buehler nearing a return from his rehab assignment (even though Buehler took a ball off his middle finger in his last minor league start). All that, plus so much rain in Los Angeles that the Dodgers have had three rain delays at Dodger Stadium in a 16-day span, including two in a row this weekend against the Padres. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Pat Zachry, a right-handed pitcher who relieved for the Dodgers in 1983-84 and died on April 4 at age 71. Related reading: Remembering Zachry at True Blue LA Zachry’s SABR bio, written by David Skelton Obituary at the Waco Herald-Tribune Jay Horwitz of the Mets remembers Zachry’s time in New York Obituary in the Cincinnati Enquirer The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we banter about Shohei Ohtani’s first home run as a Dodger, and the hubbub surrounding the aftermath regarding Dodger Stadium security and the fan who caught the ball. The Dodgers have used their bullpen an awful lot in the early part of the season, and in doing so added and subtracted several members along the way. Nabil Crismatt got a win in his one day on the roster, and Dinelson Lamet pitched three times and recorded the first professional save of his 11-year career. A week and a half ago, neither were on the Dodgers 40-man roster, and they aren’t now either, because both have since been designated for assignment. The Dodgers traded for left-hander Nick Ramirez, who is now in Triple-A. They also traded for right-hander Connor Brogdon, who will join the team in Minnesota this week. Lefty Matt Gage was released while on the Triple-A injured list, but has reportedly returned on a minor league contract. Plus, the Dodgers ran a planned bullpen game last week rather than have two starters pitch on four days rest, and they moved Brusdar Graterol to the 60-day injured list, which means he’s out until mid-May, and Blake Treinen is at least “weeks away” from returning from his own injured list stint. Hence the patchwork nature to the LA bullpen so far. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers re-opened the regular season with the home opener and a four-game weekend series against the Cardinals, of which they won three games. Mookie Betts started the season on fire, including hitting a home run in four straight games. Will Smith is also hot at the plate, fresh off signing a new 10-year contract. Similar for Teoscar Hernández, who homered three times and doubled twice against St. Louis. Dodgers starting pitching was excellent over the weekend, headlined by Bobby Miller striking out a career-high 11 batters in six scoreless innings on Friday. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also great in his Dodger Stadium debut, with five scoreless innings, disrupted only by rain. Also in this episode, we look at the Dodgers’ lack of left-handers in the bullpen, Shohei Ohtani’s timing at the plate just a bit off even though he’s hitting the ball hard, Walker Buehler starting a minor league rehab assignment and getting closer to a return, and Emmet Sheehan out until at least late May. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers signed Will Smith to a 10-year contract worth $140 million, wiping out the final two years of salary arbitration for the All-Star catcher, plus another eight years after that. The deal was finalized on March 27, the day before the home opener at Dodger Stadium and the day before Smith's 29th birthday. Smith is now signed through 2033. He bats cleanup for the Dodgers, behind Mookie Betts (signed through 2023), Shohei Ohtani (signed through 2033), and Freddie Freeman (signed through 2027). All four also share another trait, in that they have a lot of deferred salary in their contract, totaling $902.5 million. For Smith, like Ohtani, those deferrals will be paid annually from 2034-2043. The contract for Smith puts the Dodgers payroll at roughly $320 million for competitive balance tax purposes. The Dodgers are already in the fourth and highest tier, such that for anything over $297 million in 2024 they will pay a 110-percent tax. At the moment, they are estimated to pay roughly $67 million in competitive balance tax for this season alone. Related reading: Dodgers deferred salaries, at The Athletic Smith contract details and reaction, at MLB.com More Smith reaction, from the Los Angeles Times Smith annual salaries, from MLB.com The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers are back stateside but the biggest story in the sport involves Shohei Ohtani and fired interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani during a press conference at Dodger Stadium read a statement, though did not take questions. In that statement, Ohtani said he has never bet on baseball or any sport, nor has he ever had dealings with a bookie. Ohtani also accused Mizuhara of stealing from him and lying to him, and said he did not know of Mizuhara’s gambling debt nor any payment made from Ohtani’s account to an illegal bookmaker in Orange County – totaling at least $4.5 million per ESPN – until a Dodgers team meeting on March 20 after the opening day win in South Korea. Major League Baseball is investigating the Ohtani and Mizuhara situation, though Ohtani is expected to remain active as the investigation is ongoing. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers lost a wild game to the Padres to close out the Seoul Series in South Korea, but that wasn't the biggest story of the day. That belonged to Shohei Ohtani, whose interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers on Wednesday amid a report of ties to an illegal gambler, and accusations of "massive theft" from Ohtani's attorneys. As of now, Major League Baseball has no plans to investigate Ohtani just yet, but the story is still developing. More on that soon, as well as what's ahead for the Dodgers The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reaction to the Dodgers beating the Padres 5-2 on opening day at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, in MLB's first-ever regular season games in SOuth Korea. The low-scoring affair featured the Dodgers hitless in their 14 at-bats with runners on base through seven innings before breaking through with a four-run rally in the eighth inning. Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman combined to reach base eight times in 15 plate appearances, including two hits apiece by Betts and Ohtani, who each had run-scoring singles in the decisive eighth inning. Plum more on the opening day roster, including Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol on the injured list, as well as Spectrum offering in-market streaming of Dodgers games for Spectrum internet and mobile customers. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, opening day is finally here and we look ahead to the Dodgers and Padres playing two early morning games in Seoul, South Korea. We go over the Dodgers’ frenzied reception at Incheon International Airport, including Shohei Ohtani with his now-revealed wife Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player. Ohtani will also begin a throwing program once the Dodgers return home to Los Angeles, following his elbow surgery in September. We look at what that means, and what it doesn’t regarding 2024. To date, the Dodgers have played two exhibition games against Korean teams at Gocheok Sky Dome. Leading into opening day Wednesday morning (a 3 a.m. PT start time), in which Tyler Glasnow will start and Ohtani will make his Dodgers debut, we look at some roster things from the last week, including non-roster invitee Daniel Hudson making the team, Gavin Stone winning the fifth-starter battle, and Miguel Vargas getting optioned. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Jim Neidlinger, who made 12 starts for the Dodgers in 1990. That was Neidlinger’s only season in the majors. Acquired from the Pirates in a trade in 1988, Neidlinger pitched 11 seasons professionally and now coaches baseball at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we discuss the latest position switch for superstar Mookie Betts, who is now the Dodgers shortstop after Gavin Lux’s throwing problems created an untenable situation in the infield. There’s also the matter of manager Dave Roberts saying Betts to shortstop was “permanent, for now,” which is a hilarious phrase. We look at what might happen beyond this initial move of Lux to second base and how patient the Dodgers might be during his throwing struggles. Also, a look at some roster news, like Emmet Sheehan starting the year on the injured list, Brusdar Graterol not making the trip to South Korea, and Blake Treinen suffering a bruised lung. Also, we discuss non-roster invitee Daniel Hudson likely making the team, and possibly non-roster lefty Justin Wilson too, plus the Dodgers acquiring utility infielder Andre Lipcius from the Tigers. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at outfielder Stan Javier, who played for the Dodgers from 1991-93. Related reading: Javier’s SABR bio, written by Richard Cuicchi The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we revel in Shohei Ohtani’s first Dodgers (spring training) home run as well as his surprise revelation that he is now a married man. Also, we take a look at the potential Dodgers opening day roster, based on developments from the first few weeks of spring training. And discuss the Dodgers debut of Yoshinobu Yamamoto as well as the return of Kiké Hernández to Los Angeles, facilitated in part by the trade of Manuel Margot to the Twins, all last week. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices