The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit a rough patch of late, dropping three games in a row and the first two of a four-game wraparound series against the Cincinnati Reds. One of the issues that continues to hamper the Dodgers is short outings from their starters.
Brett Anderson was removed early for a second time in as many starts, becoming the latest southpaw to battle a blister issue. With the Dodgers hoping to break their streak of bad luck, they turn to Julio Urias for a spot start in Sunday’s afternoon matchup Great American Ball Park.
With the start, Urias will have faced every National League Central in his young career team except the St. Louis Cardinals.
In his last appearance Urias provided relief in a victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 20-year-old tossed 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and issuing three walks.
Urias is 1-2 with a 5.54 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and .291 opponents’ batting average in six games (five starts) on the road this season.
On the contrary, in six games (five starts) at home, he’s 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and .277 opponents’ batting average. Overall this season, Urias is 3-2 with a 4.41 ERA, 3.58 FIP and 1.59 WHIP.
He faces a hot Reds lineup that is averaging over six runs during their five-game winning streak. The first inning has been critical for the Dodgers, as the starting pitchers have allowed a combined seven runs in the opening frame of the series.
The Reds counter with a streaking Anthony DeSclafani. In 13 starts since his May call up, the 26-year-old has only lost one start. In his previous outing, DeSclafani faced off against the Miami Marlins at home and emerged with a victory.
In six innings pitched, DeSclafani allowed two runs on seven hits. The right-hander showed great command, striking out six batters while walking none.
DeSclafani has made three career starts against the Dodgers, with two coming last season. In the three outings, he’s is 1-2 with a 2.37 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.
The 2011 sixth-round draft pick has been lights out at home this season, going 4-0 with a 2.12 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in five starts. On the season, DeSclafani is 7-1 with a 3.10 ERA, 3.72 FIP and 1.21 WHIP.
As expected, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has dropped a struggling Josh Reddick from the cleanup spot. Reddick now bats sixth, with Adrian Gonzalez hitting back of Justin Turner. Roberts noted after Friday’s loss he sensed Reddick is frustrated and pressing at the plate.
The Dodgers made a roster move prior to Sunday’s game, recalling Andrew Toles from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and optioning Chris Taylor back to Triple-A. Toles starts in left field and bats eighth.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
C: Yasmani Grandal
RF: Josh Reddick
CF: Joc Pederson
LF: Andrew Toles
P: Julio Urias
Reds lineup:
CF: Billy Hamilton
SS: Jose Peraza
2B: Brandon Phillips
LF: Adam Duvall
3B: Eugenio Suarez
1B: Ivan De Jesus Jr.
RF: Tyler Holt
C: Tucker Barnhart
P: Anthony DeSclafani
