Dodgers benefit after challenging ‘neighborhood play’ against Giants

Major League Baseball expanded the scope of replay review for the 2016 season, allowing teams to challenge the so-called “neighborhood play” at second base, a judgment call of whether an infielder remains at second base when turning a double play.

The Dodgers benefited from this in a 12-6 loss to the Giants on Thursday. Manager Dave Roberts challenged a purported 6-4-3 double play that ended the second inning, and the replay review overturned the call, adding a run to the Dodgers’ tally and keeping the frame alive.

Both third base coach Chris Woodward and bench coach Bob Geren alerted Roberts that second baseman Joe Panik appeared to skip off the bag as he received a feed from shortstop Brandon Crawford.

“We didn’t think that he stayed on the base,” Roberts said. “Now with the neighborhood play, it’s forcing infielders to really follow through and have the baseball to complete the play.”

Rehab for Grandal, Kendrick

Howie Kendrick and Yasmani Grandal, a Dodgers duo on the disabled list, left Camelback Ranch for minor league rehabilitation assignments Thursday. Roberts continued to say the pair will rejoin the main roster for Tuesday’s home opener.

Kendrick (calf tightness) played for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. Roberts indicated Kendrick would play a game at third base and another two at second base.

Grandal (forearm strain) joined triple-A Oklahoma City in Nashville.

Guerrero still sidelined

Alex Guerrero (knee soreness) is still not cleared to take the field, Roberts said. There is little reason to rush Guerrero back from the disabled list. He does not have a role on the big league roster, but his contract allows him to refuse any minor league assignment.

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