Urias returns to rotation; Maeda to bullpen
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers activated left-handed pitcher Julio Urías from suspension (for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy) on Monday, and he will start Tuesday night against the Rockies at Dodger Stadium. The 7:10 p.m. PT matchup will be available live on MLB.TV.
Kenta Maeda was originally scheduled to start, but the lefty has been sent to the bullpen, where he was for the last two postseasons.
Rich Hill threw a bullpen session on Monday and will probably face hitters on Friday or Saturday. Urias and Hill are in the mix as potential fourth starters, or relievers, for the postseason.
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Pederson, Taylor, Verdugo will compete for time in right field
Roberts said MVP candidate Cody Bellinger, although he started at first base on Monday, is expected to play mostly center field down the stretch and beyond because of his superior range, with A.J. Pollock moving to left field. That leaves right field for Joc Pederson, Chris Taylor and possibly Alex Verdugo.
Verdugo, out with an oblique injury, begins a rehab assignment on Monday night and is not expected to rejoin the big league club until next Tuesday in Baltimore. When that happens, Roberts said, Verdugo will need to earn a postseason spot with his play.
“Performance matters,” said Roberts. “It will play itself out.”
May avoids serious injury, but next step is uncertain
Dustin May, struck on the head by a line drive on Sunday, had a sore neck and was scheduled for another concussion test, but Roberts said May apparently avoided serious injury. May played catch on Monday, but his next outing is uncertain.
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Roberts: 'Kenley is still our guy'
Roberts said Kenley Jansen is still the closer, even though recent usage shows the club moving away from a single ninth-inning pitcher, utilizing matchups more and scattering saves among Jansen, Joe Kelly, Pedro Baez and Maeda.
“That’s the way you should construct a 'pen,” said Roberts. “In a typical save situation, Kenley is still our guy.”
Worth noting
• The Dodgers moved Tyler White to the 60-day injured list with a strained lat. Another 40-man roster spot is available because former top pitching prospect Yadier Alvarez was placed on the restricted list for unspecified disciplinary reasons last week.
Alvarez signed in 2015 out of Cuba for a $16 million bonus, and the Dodgers were assessed a $16 million penalty for exceeding the international limit. Alvarez has pitched in only two games this year.
• The Dodgers also recalled right-handed reliever Josh Sborz for the fifth time this year.