Game 79: As Julio Urias’ first win arrives in Milwaukee, Clayton Kershaw departs for L.A.

Julio Urias‘ first major league win finally arrived Tuesday in Milwaukee, sealed by an impressive Joc Pederson catch in the eighth inning. The box score is here.

Clayton Kershaw flew to Los Angeles to have his back examined.

Game 54: Julio Urias isn’t ready for Chicago Cubs’ onslaught.

Joc Pederson Carl Crawford

The Dodgers collected three hits in a 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs. (Getty Images)

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are a good baseball team. Julio Urias is a good pitching prospect, but he wasn’t ready for the onslaught that awaited Thursday in a 7-2 Dodgers loss. The box score is here.

For Joc Pederson, the signs of progress are beginning to show through.

Game 40: Clayton Kershaw, Joc Pederson star in Dodgers’ win.

Clayton Kershaw pitched eight typically strong innings and Joc Pederson hit his team-leading seventh and eighth home runs of the season in a 5-1 win over the Angels. The box score is here.

Trayce Thompson got his second consecutive start against a right-handed pitcher Tuesday and he’s making the most of his opportunities.

Kiké Hernandez leads off, will DH for Dodgers in Tampa Bay.

Fourth American League park in the books. #Rays #Dodgers #roadtrip

A photo posted by J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) on


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Kiké Hernandez will be the Dodgers’ designated hitter for the opener of their two-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Hernandez is leading off against left-hander Matt Moore. Joc Pederson is starting in center field — just like Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said last week — and shortstop Corey Seager is getting the day off in favor of Charlie Culberson. Pederson and Adrian Gonzalez are the only left-handers in the lineup for the 4 p.m. (PT) interleague game.

Here are the full lineups for both teams:

Continue reading “Kiké Hernandez leads off, will DH for Dodgers in Tampa Bay.” »

Dodgers center field update: Still not a platoon, according to Dave Roberts.

Trayce Thompson

Trayce Thompson (left) and Joc Pederson (center) have shared center field duties this season for the Dodgers. (Getty Images)


When is a platoon not a platoon?

Answer: When you’re Dave Roberts and you’ve started right-handed hitter Trayce Thompson in center field five times, against a left-handed starter each time, and left-handed hitter Joc Pederson has started every other game — all against right-handed pitchers.

Roberts had an opportunity to clarify the arrangement Wednesday, when Thompson got his sixth start of the season against Miami Marlins left-hander Justin Nicolino.

Continue reading “Dodgers center field update: Still not a platoon, according to Dave Roberts.” »