When the Los Angeles Dodgers expanded to a six-man starting rotation by calling up Julio Urias, manager Dave Roberts said the change was only temporary. While that holds true, the Dodgers will stick with an extra starter for another week.
Roberts revealed Kenta Maeda’s next start is scheduled for Friday in the series opener against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Hyun-Jin Ryu started Sunday and earned his first win since Aug. 31, 2014, as the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood and Julio Urias are aligned to pitch in the upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants. Roberts reiterated the Dodgers will not stick with a six-man rotation over the long haul of the season.
He also once again mentioned the forthcoming roster crunch and the impact it will have on the starting pitchers. Rich Hill is scheduled for a rehab assignment on Thursday, and if his blister doesn’t again become an issue, he’ll soon come off the disabled list.
Maeda’s strong start against the Phillies seemingly quieted whispers of a potential move to the bullpen. Ultimately, Wood may find himself in the familiar position of being the odd man out. He’s pitched well this season no matter what role, and thus far has made three starts in place of Hill.
