SAN FRANCISCO -- The Dodgers still aren't announcing that Julio Urias will start Thursday's series finale against the Giants.
Manager Dave Roberts on Monday conceded that Kenta Maeda, originally scheduled for Thursday, will be pushed back until Friday night in Los Angeles against Philadelphia. Roberts also said the Thursday starter will be an "internal" choice and he mentioned Urias, as well as Trevor Oaks, as candidates.
"We haven't made that decision yet," Roberts said. "We're not sure who's going to start on Thursday. We're going to stay internal. Trevor Oaks is lined up, Julio can pitch. It's always good to have options."
The club's reluctance to divulge its starter has become commonplace for Dodgers management, which believes an opponent's uncertainty makes preparation more difficult.
But club officials have said all along that their innings-limit plan for Urias, who opened the season in the Minor Leagues, targeted a return to the Dodgers by late April.
Although the Dodgers will be using six starters this time through the cycle, Roberts said he's reluctant to go with a six-man rotation beyond that.
Meanwhile, Rich Hill threw 30 pitches with his blistered finger covered and Roberts said Hill's next test will be 25 pitches Wednesday with the finger uncovered. Roberts said that session might include throwing to hitters.