Dodgers Phillies Game One Preview

The Dodgers got a much needed win yesterday as Rob Segedin shined in his MLB debut. Today they look to kick off a three game series with the Phillies by getting another W.

Yesterday’s game started out pretty rough. Brandon McCarthy could not find the strike zone to save his life. he was throwing balls behind left handed hitters or sending them to the backstop when facing a right handed batter. Nothing seemed to be working for him. He allowed five walks and did not strike anyone out in just 3.2 innings. Somehow the Dodgers managed to fight back and end up on top through nine innings. The offense really stepped up and Segedin shined while gathering his first major league hit and collecting four RBI’s.

Today the Dodgers are sending rookie Julio Urias to the mound. Urias has been up and down for the club all season. The last time they optioned him back to their Triple-A affiliate in OKC, he was added to the pen and not in the starting rotation. Today they are looking for a solid five innings from the teenager. Urias has appeared in ten games, but started nine of those for the big league club this year. he is coming into today’s start with a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 4.98. In 43.1 innings of work, he has struck out 51 batters and walked 18. The 19 year-old has never faced the Phillies before, but the Phillies rank as one of the worst-hitting teams against left handed pitching. They have a collective team OPS of .655, which ranks 29th out of the 30 major league teams, so at least Urias has that in his favor. As Urias takes the mound tonight, he becomes the seventh different pitcher to start for the Dodgers in their last eight games. With so many injuries all around, but especially to the starting rotation, a solid outing from Urias is very much so needed.

The Phillies will be sending Zach Eflin to the mound. Eflin is a 22 year-old right handed pitcher who is in his first year with the Phillies. He, like Urias has split time with the big league club and at their Triple-A. He currently has a record of 3-4 and an ERA of 4.77 on the major league level. In the 11 games he has appeared in at Triple-A, Eflin is 5-2 with a 2.90 ERA.

Chase Utley is back in the lineup and leading off after not starting the last game with the Red Sox. Rob Segedin is starting and in left. After his impressive MLB Debut yesterday he rightfully earned another start in left. With Segedin in the outfield, that gives Howie Kendrick the night off. Urias will be on the mound and Yasmani Grandal behind the plate.

Also today the Dodgers recalled relief pitcher Josh Ravin from Triple-A OKC. Ravin battled sickness early spring and later tested positive for PED’s. His positive test earned him an 80 game suspension by MLB for taking a banned substance. Ravin is back and not only back to playing baseball, but back with the big league club. This move was made because Joe Blanton was placed on the Bereavement List. It was not explained as to what happened in regards to Blanton, just that Dave Roberts said he would be on the list until Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM and will be shown on Sports Net LA.