The Los Angeles Dodgers saw their season-best seven-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday after falling to the Seattle Mariners, 6-4, at T-Mobile Park.
The club hit three home runs in the contest, but ultimately were let down by their pitching. Julio Urias lasted just 1.2 innings in his start, allowing four hits and one run with five strikeouts.
It was the left-hander’s shortest outing of the season, adding to what has been an up-and-down month of August. “He’ll pitch his next turn and just got to continue to be better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“In the last three starts it’s been that first inning he hasn’t really looked sharp. I don’t know if it’s the pregame prep, whether it’s too much early or not enough early to get ready for that first inning. We’ll talk about it. We’ve got to be ready from pitch one.”
Despite his recent struggles and the expected return of Alex Wood, Roberts confirmed that Urias isn’t in a scenario where he’s pitching to keep his spot in the rotation. “I wouldn’t say that. I don’t think that’s fair,” Roberts said.
“I think Alex has still got to get through his four-inning simulated game and we’ll go from there. That’s a separate situation. I think Julio has just got to be a little more sharp from the outset.
“I think the stuff is good, but [Wednesday] you could clearly see the slider wasn’t sharp, the change was in zone and not located, and the fastball wasn’t commanded. Just got to be a little more sharp.”
Wood, who has been sidelined with shoulder inflammation since the end of July, is expected to throw a four-inning simulated game next week. Should all go well, his next outing could come in an MLB game.
Urias not concerned with job security
While Roberts downplayed the possibility of Urias being replaced in the starting rotation, the 24-year-old nonetheless would be understanding of any decision the Dodgers make.
“It’s a team decision, I don’t really focus on that,” Urias said. “Whatever decision they make, I’m going to take it in the best way possible.”
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