CHICAGO -- Right-hander Kenta Maeda is still having some issues with his pitching hand and will not make his next scheduled start, which was supposed to be on Thursday at Wrigley Field.
Instead, 19-year-old rookie left-hander Julio Urias will make his second Major League start in the finale against the Cubs. Maeda, whose hand was hit by a line drive during his previous start, is now expected to start on Friday at Dodger Stadium in the opener against the Braves.
"It was all contingent on Kenta and when we felt it was better for Kenta to get a better day," manager Dave Roberts said. "Then Julio was the one we have available for that Thursday start."
Maeda, who's 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 10 starts, said his hand is progressing. He indicated that he could have pitched on Thursday and anticipates being ready to face the Braves on Friday.
"My hand feels good," Maeda said through a team interpreter. "It's a decision the coaches made in regards to pushing it back one more day. Nothing's really limiting me. Nothing much. The coaches decided to do it, but I think that one day of rest will help me, and I hope that it leads to a better performance."
After Urias and Maeda, the rotation will stay in line, with Clayton Kershaw pitching on Saturday.
Wood had an MRI performed on his left elbow on Wednesday in Los Angeles and, according to the Dodgers, the results showed a posterior impingement that requires an estimated four weeks of rest. Wood will be re-evaluated at that point.
Worth noting
• Right-fielder Yasiel Puig wasn't in the lineup on Wednesday for the second straight game because of tightness in his left hamstring but stepped in to pinch-hit in the top of the eighth.
• Roberts expects utility player Scott Van Slyke to return from the 15-day disabled list at some point this weekend, but he did not indicate what corresponding move might be made.
• Right-hander Brandon McCarthy (Tommy John surgery) continues to make progress in his rehab. In his most recent bullpen session, he threw 45 pitches in two innings and hit 89 mph.