The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s MLB debut with a fourth consecutive win and now continue their series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Julio Urías makes his second start of the season and looks to bounce back after a disappointing Opening Day outing against the Colorado Rockies. The left-hander allowed six runs (three earned) in just two-plus innings with a lack of command and fastball velocity that was far lower than his average last season.
Urías threw 57 pitches and failed to record an out in the third inning prior to being replaced by Mitch White. His fastball velocity was 91.4 mph, down from last year’s 94 mph and 94.1 mph career average.
Urías also pitched with diminished fastball velocity in his final Spring Training start against the L.A. Angels. “I’m not concerned about the velo,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time.
“I think Julio will be fine. It was down, I don’t know the reason for it, but I think there will be a couple upticks in his start. … He feels strong. It’s not about last year, he had a good winter, he looks good, feels strong. All signs point towards he’ll be fine.”
Roberts and Urías again dismissed any concerns after the start at Coors Field.
The Reds counter with Hunter Greene, who makes just the second start of his MLB career. The right-hander, who entered the season as the No. 22 ranked prospect in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline, allowed three runs over five innings and earned a win in his debut against the Atlanta Braves last week.
Greene, an L.A. native, spoke of what it means to be able to pitch at Dodger Stadium. “Just super special. Obviously I came here as a kid to a lot of games,” he said.
“I was just talking to our infield coach and first base coach about how I would sit down the third-base line, watch Rafael Furcal and the amazing player he was. Just a beautiful experience to be here and to pitch on Saturday will be pretty special.”
Greene faces a Dodgers lineup that features Trea Turner in the leadoff spot as Mookie Betts is getting a night off. Turner enters play with a career-best 26-game hitting streak.
Dodgers lineup
SS: Trea Turner
1B: Freddie Freeman
3B: Justin Turner
2B: Max Muncy
DH: Edwin Ríos
RF: Chris Taylor
CF: Cody Bellinger
LF: Gavin Lux
C: Austin Barnes
Reds lineup
SS: Kyle Farmer
DH: Tyler Naquin
LF: Tommy Pham
1B: Joey Votto
C: Tyler Stephenson
RF: Aristides Aquino
3B: Mike Moustakas
2B: Brandon Drury
CF: Jake Fraley
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