:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63274925/usa_today_12386819.0.jpg)
All eyes were on Corey Seager, who made his first major-league appearance since May, in the Dodgers 4-4 tie against the Chicago Cubs.
Seager’s long anticipated return from elbow and hip surgery was filled with action under the lights in Mesa, Arizona.
The first pitch Seager saw resulted in a flyout to center field. Rather unexciting.
He quickly turned things around at the plate, going deep in the third inning, making the score 2-0 in favor of the Dodgers and joining AJ Pollock on the Dodgers home run club of the night.
The shortstop also contributed to a dazzling 4-6-3 double-play in the second inning.
The.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 21, 2019
Stud.
Is.
Back. pic.twitter.com/0D1rc3Xi98
Seager said this play may have affected his health in the past, but this time he didn’t notice anything wrong.
#Dodgers Corey Seager said his throw on the 4-6-3 DP was the kind of throw that would have bothered his elbow a year ago. Didn’t feel anything this time.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 21, 2019
Seager exited the game in the seventh inning, after earning another RBI and producing an error.
Another Dodger who gained a lot of attention was Julio Urias.
Urias was scheduled to start against the Cubs, but was replaced by Dustin May just hours before the game was set to start.
Dave Roberts told SportsNet LA reporter Alanna Rizzo he had a different plan for the left-hander.
Roberts told me that in order for Urias to make the team, it has to be out of the pen. In order to give him best chance of success in that role, they want him coming out of pen rest of spring. That’s why he’s not starting tonight, as originally scheduled. He’ll pitch in relief.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 21, 2019
Urias would enter the game in the fifth inning, where he would have a quick 1-2-3 inning.
In the following inning, Urias gave up a homerun to Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Urias would not have a smooth seventh inning either, giving up another two runs.
He would exit the game after 2 ⅔ inning, allowing a total of three runs, two earned runs, three hits and striking out two.
After the game, the Dodgers’ skipper gave a little more information on Urias’ role in the regular season. He clarified the young pitcher would not be seen in short appearances.
#Dodgers Dave Roberts said if (he will) Julio Urias opens the season in the bullpen it would be in a long relief/piggy-backing role to start. Does not see him as a one-inning or lefty-only reliever.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 21, 2019
May, who got the start over Urias, pitched three full innings. He allowed one earned run and three hits, but struck out three batters.
Joe Kelly, who is expected to start the season in the Dodgers bullpen, pitched in with a scoreless fourth inning.
Other notable performances
- Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger each hit a double
- Stetson Allie and Nolan Long each pitched a scoreless inning to end the game
Look ahead
Hyun-jin Ryu and the Dodgers head to Phoenix to face the Milwaukee Brewers at 1:05 pm PDT. The game can be heard on AM 570 LA Sports.