In what’s shaping to be a busy week at Camelback Ranch, the Los Angeles Dodgers were back at their Spring Training home on Wednesday to face the Colorado Rockies.
It was the second meeting in the last four days as the Dodgers defeated the Rockies at Salt River Fields on Sunday. Zach Lee started Wednesday for the Dodgers, while the Rockies countered with Chad Bettis.
Lee has thrown a combined five innings, giving up four hits and three runs while striking out three and walking one in his first two Spring Training starts. In his only other spring start this year, Bettis pitched three perfect innings, striking out three.
In 20 starts last season, he went 8-6 with a 4.23 ERA, 3.85 FIP and 1.41 WHIP. Bettis has faced the Dodgers six times (three starts) during his career. He’s holds a 4.58 ERA in 19.2 innings pitched over the six games.
Andre Ethier batted leadoff for the Dodgers for the first time in his career. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it’s a spot in the order the soon-to-be-34-year-old Ethier may find himself in during the regular season.
Howie Kendrick was in the lineup for a second consecutive day since returning from groin soreness that forced him to miss time. Kendrick again served as the designated hitter.
Although Lee wound up replacing Urias as the starting pitcher, the left-handed prospect is expected to make a relief appearance.