Dodgers’ Urias eyes second MLB W vs. Phils
Just when Julio Urias thought he was temporarily out of the big-league mix, the Dodgers pulled him back in.
A rash of injuries in Los Angeles means another opportunity for the 19-year-old phenom, who will start tonight’s series opener vs. Philadelphia. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like Dave Roberts’ group, while the Phillies enter Chavez Ravine as +190 underdogs. The over/under run total holds steady at eight.
Urias (1-2, 4.98 ERA) began the campaign at Class AAA Oklahoma City, heightening fan awareness with a string of dominant performances. Yet the prized lefty’s occupied a spot on the parent club’s roster for the better part of the past two months. Judging from the initial returns, perhaps a bit more seasoning is needed. In eight of 10 assignments, Urias has failed to venture beyond the fifth inning.
It’s not wise to anticipate an extended outing this evening, either, given the Phillies’ recent success. Pete Mackanin’s troops took two of three from San Diego over the weekend, wearing out the Padres’ pitching staff with a flurry of quality at-bats. Much-maligned slugger Ryan Howard’s even in the midst of a 6-for-10 stretch.
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Nonetheless, can Zach Eflin (3-4, 4.77) correct matters on the mound? Philly’s righty carries a 0-1 mark with an 11.70 ERA since July 23. His sketchy control, coupled with Urias’ unavoidable growing pains, sets the stage for a high-scoring affair.
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