After a back-and-forth game Tuesday at Camelback Ranch against the Chicago White Sox that resulted in an 8-6 walk-off loss, the Los Angeles Dodgers are back at their Spring Training again on Wednesday as they host the Colorado Rockies.
The Dodgers beat the Rockies, 6-4, at Salt River Fields on Sunday. Last year, Los Angeles was 11-8 against Colorado, including 7-3 at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers top pitching prospect was initially expected to start on Wednesday, however it instead is Zach Lee.
The Dodgers’ 2010 first-round pick makes his third start of the spring as he continues to battle for the team’s fifth rotation spot. In his first two outings, Lee has thrown a combined five innings, giving up four hits and three runs while striking out three and walking one.
Lee made one start for the Dodgers last season, allowing seven runs over 4.2 innings in a spot start against the New York Mets. He otherwise spent the 2015 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 11-6 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 19 starts.
While Urias was replaced as the starter, he will pitch in relief of Lee. Urias had a strong showing in his first Cactus League appearance this year. He struck out the side in the seventh inning, however, he failed to retire a batter in the eighth as he gave up three consecutive hits before getting removed.
Chad Bettis receives the start for the Rockies. In his only other spring start this year, he pitched three perfect innings, striking out three. In 20 starts last season, Bettis went 8-6 with a 4.23 ERA, 3.85 FIP and 1.41 WHIP.
In six career games (three starts) against the Dodgers, he has a 4.58 ERA of in 19.2 innings pitched. Bettis has given up 25 hits, walked 12 and recorded 15 strikeouts over the six games.
Overall, the Dodgers’ 20 spring home runs are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for third in the Cactus League, trailing just the White Sox (26) and Chicago Cubs (22).
Additionally, the Dodgers’ offense ranks second among National League clubs in batting average (.293), on-base percentage (.362) and slugging percentage (.503), behind only Arizona.
Andre Ethier bats leadoff Wednesday for the first time in his 10-year big league career. He has a career .383 on-base percentage against right-handed pitchers. Howie Kendrick is also once again in the lineup, as he bats second and will be the designated hitter for the second consecutive day after missing some time with some groin soreness.
Dodgers Lineup:
LF: Andre Ethier
DH: Howie Kendrick
3B: Justin Turner
2B: Chase Utley
RF: Yasiel Puig
C: Yasmani Grandal
1B: Scott Van Slyke
CF: Joc Pederson
SS: Elian Herrera
Rockies Lineup:
CF: Charlie Blackmon
SS: Cristhian Adames
LF: Gerardo Parra
3B: Nolan Arenado
1B: Ben Paulsen
C: Nick Hundley
DH: Kyle Parker
2B: Tony Wolters
RF: Noel Cuevas
