Although it was in a frustrating losing effort to the hated San Francisco Giants on Monday night, Dodgers utility infielder / outfielder Chris Taylor and outfielder Alex Verdugo (in a pinch-hitting role) joined the Dodgers remarkable home run parade on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.

Also worthy of note, 22-year-old left-handed phenom Julio Urias was absolutely brilliant in his first major league start for the Dodgers since May 20, 2017. The young Culiacan, Mexico native allowed no runs and only three hits, while walking none and striking out seven in his 5.0 innings of work.

“Five innings, flawless pitching, it was fun to watch,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the game. “We know he’ll make his next start and we’ll go from there.”

That next start is expected to be against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday, April 7 and it might be his last for awhile.

“With Rich [Hill] and Clayton [Kershaw] coming back, whether talking about a start, which is huge value – innings are innings – if Julio pitches like he is, he’ll have a great year, we’ll have a great year,” Roberts said. “He wants to help our big league club win games.”

Although Urias has been stretched out as a starter, he figures to be the long man out of the Dodgers bullpen along with fellow left-hander Caleb Ferguson. Given the rough start that the Dodgers have had with their bullpen during the first week of the new season, Urias’ addition could be a godsend.

Play Ball!

    *    *    *    *    *