With an abundance of starting pitchers, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been forced to send some to pitch on a backfield at Camelback Ranch in lieu of appearing in a Cactus League game. Though, that’s not an indictment on performance or how the club views a starter.
Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda have been among those to pitch in a Minor League game, and Maeda will do so once again on Friday. Scott Kazmir has used the setting to sort through mechanical issues while attempting to overcome hip trouble, and on Thursday, it was Julio Urias’ and Alex Wood’s turn.
Corey Seager, on the mend from an oblique injury, played in a second Minor League game in the past three days. A roundup of how each fared is provided via Bill Plunkett of the O.C. Register:
Julio Urias done with his 3 IP. 2 hits 2 K. #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 23, 2017
Alex Wood done with his 5 IP (couple rolled over). 1 run 6 hits 1 BB 1 K. #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 23, 2017
5 ABs for Corey Seager — 1 bloop single, 1 sac fly, 1 bounced back to the pitcher, 2 Ks. 5 innings at SS. #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 23, 2017
Seager’s participation at shortstop was his first action in the field since experiencing upper back tightness after a game on March 3. Prior to that point, Seager missed three consecutive games due to a bruised right shin. He’s been limited to just five at-bats in three Cactus League games this year.
Urias was sent home from camp on Sunday due to strep throat. He returned the following the day and managed to throw a previously scheduled bullpen session Tuesday. Urias is 1-0 with a 4.76 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in four games (two starts) this spring.
He’s twice appeared out of the bullpen since making a pair of starts. Urias’ workload and failure to stretch out as the other starters have, suggests he’s unlikely to be part of the Dodgers’ starting rotation come Opening Day.
The opposite appears true for Wood, who along with Brandon McCarthy, appears destined to be one of the club’s five starters. Wood owns a 3.18 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in four games (two starts) this spring.
