The Los Angeles Dodgers take the field Thursday night with an opportunity to extend their winning streak to a season-best six games by completing a series sweep of the Colorado Rockies. L.A. already is the first team in the Majors to 10 wins and they are the lone club to win every series played thus far.
While results of course matter, much of the focus in the series finale against the Rockies extends beyond the baseball field with the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. Dodgers managers Dave Roberts, Mookie Betts and David Price are among those donating their gameday salaries to support The Players Alliance.
Roberts also is leading a contingent that will visit the Jackie Robinson Statue in the renovated center field plaza at Dodger Stadium. “Pay our respects and homage to Jackie, do a little reflection on what he meant to us individually, as a club, as an industry and socially across the world,” Roberts said. “I’m looking forward to that.”
As for matters on the field, the Dodgers hand the ball to Julio Urias for his third start of the year. He has not been tabbed with a loss in the regular season since Aug. 9, 2019.
Urias faced the Rockies during the Opening Series at Coors Field, allowing just one run on three hits and collecting six strikeouts over seven-plus innings. The outing was the longest of Urias’ career.
He encountered some trouble against the Washington Nationals last week, allowing three runs in 5.2 innings. Urias nonetheless enters 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP.
The Rockies counter with Austin Gomber, who has excelled in not allowing hits but offset that by walks. He put seven Dodgers on in three innings, and walked four over 6.2 frames against the San Francisco Giants. Gomber allowed just one hit in both starts.
As previously planned, Betts is out of the lineup after playing consecutive games upon returning from lower back stiffness. Corey Seager also gets a night off before the Dodgers begin a marquee matchup with the San Diego Padres. Luke Raley is in right field for his first career start.
Gavin Lux was in the original Dodgers lineup, however wound up getting scratched due to right wrist soreness.
Dodgers lineup
CF: Chris Taylor
3B: Justin Turner
2B: Max Muncy
C: Will Smith
LF: AJ Pollock
1B: Edwin Rios
RF: Zach McKinstry
LF: Luke Raley
P: Julio Urias
Rockies lineup
CF: Garrett Hampson
LF: Raimel Tapia
2B: Ryan McMahon
1B: C.J. Cron
3B: Josh Fuentes
C: Elias Diaz
RF: Yonathan Daza
SS: Alan Trejo
P: Austin Gomber
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
