LOS ANGELES -- Pretty good matchup at Dodger Stadium on Friday night, with Opening Day starter Clayton Kershaw facing No. 2 starter Walker Buehler, who was making his first intrasquad appearance of Summer Camp.
Although Buehler has been delicately handled, he was more impressive, retiring all seven batters he faced. It’s not known how deep he will be able to pitch when the season starts, but he looked ready to retire opponents.
Kershaw, six days before the opener against San Francisco, struck out 11 in 6 1/3 innings, but was charged with four runs, allowing home runs by catcher Will Smith and infielder Kiké Hernández, who had a grand slam Thursday night. Hernández, who managed his squad to three consecutive wins, later doubled and brandished a broom to taunt opposing manager Justin Turner over the sweep.
Dustin May, competing with Ross Stripling for David Price’s slot in the rotation, pitched five scoreless innings in relief of Buehler.
• Reliever Joe Kelly, who had an extended disappearance from games last September, hasn’t pitched in an intrasquad game in eight days. But Roberts said Kelly threw a bullpen session on Thursday and is still expected to be ready for Opening Day.
• Tony Gonsolin was optioned to the club’s alternate training site Friday night, according to the MLB.com transactions page. The Dodgers consider him a starter, so it could mean that instead of making the big league roster for Opening Day, he’ll be stretched out on the “Minor League” side. Earlier, Roberts said Gonsolin is considered a starter, has “looked good in his bullpens” and might see his first game action this weekend. Gonsolin was late to Summer Camp without an explanation from the club. Otherwise, he might have been a contender for Price’s spot.
• Scott Alexander threw a bullpen session on Thursday. Roberts said he expects the lefty to pitch in one or two of the exhibition games.
• Keibert Ruiz, who has been on the injured list with no club explanation, was expected to be activated, Roberts said. That would bring the Dodgers’ player pool to a full 60.
• Speedy outfielder Terrance Gore was added to the player pool, primarily as a pinch-runner option for the new rule that begins each extra inning with a runner on second base. He struck out in his lone at-bat in the game, but scored from second in a simulated extra inning.