True Blue LA - April 21: Cubs 13, Dodgers 0Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2023-04-21T14:00:03-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/234563522023-04-21T14:00:03-07:002023-04-21T14:00:03-07:00Dodgers imperfect game a perfect representation of their mediocre season to date
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago Cubs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/49eFp-qSXd4lP65jaOPdMTC_zRE=/0x0:5757x3838/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72204881/1483930864.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="kAu3Ft">Julio Urías had his worst, and shortest, start in several months, and the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> offense laid an egg in a 13-0 loss to the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> on Friday afternoon that further taxed a the Los Angeles bullpen and provided a tangible display of how it’s <em>felt</em> like the Dodgers have played to start this season.</p>
<p id="VIuIT4">The Dodgers ace needed 86 pitches to record only 10 outs, exiting in the fourth inning for his shortest start since July 10, 2022, also against the Cubs.</p>
<p id="DwuQMH">Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly had no such problems, taking a perfect game into the eighth inning and retiring his first 21 batters faced. Smyly struck out six Dodgers in a row at one point, and fanned 10 in the game.</p>
<p id="lUYNzu">His bid for perfection ended with a David Peralta dribbler up the third-base line that Smyly fielded but was promptly run over by catcher Yon Gomes. <em>This</em> is how the Dodgers got their hit on Friday.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIS is how Drew Smyly's perfect game bid ends??? <a href="https://t.co/AHaiPZ0pA7">pic.twitter.com/AHaiPZ0pA7</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1649512825918832640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a>
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<p id="77UFxh">Urías was heading south from the jump, with an especially taxing opening frame. </p>
<p id="DkUA2r">Aside from the rarity of two walks in the first inning from Urías, who walked 44 batters in his previous 35 starts, there were two mistakes in the opening frame. First came by home plate umpire Andy Fletcher, who <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadMoriyama/status/1649482222179844096">missed a clear strike on a cutter that would have struck out Seiya Suzuki</a>. Second was four pitches later, when a Urías fastball caught far too much of the plate and <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1649482400399761440">Suzuki made it hurt with a two-run double</a>.</p>
<p id="GjzzVg">The 31 pitches in the first inning matched a season high for Urías, who also did so in his last start, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/16/23685443/julio-urias-home-runs-dodgers-offense-mia-cubs-recap">last Sunday against these same Cubs</a> in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p id="2gY4PG">Chicago tacked on after that, with Nick Madrigal tripling into the left field corner then scoring in the second inning, then Cody Bellinger and Trey Mancini hitting back-to-back home runs in the third.</p>
<p id="ikpGK4">Bellinger has homered in each of his last three games against the Dodgers, dating back to last Sunday when he also hit one off Urías.</p>
<p id="7ZDdP4">Urías allowed five extra-base hits on Friday, <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/IWJT3">one shy of his most given up in any start</a>, when he <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/5/14/23073220/julio-urias-home-runs-bryce-harper-extra-base-hits-dodger-stadium-ownership-dodgers-phillies">got torched for six extra-base hits against the Phillies last year on May 14</a>.</p>
<p id="83SxP9">One night after Michael Grove left after just three innings with a right groin strain, Urías lasting only 3⅓ innings on Friday did the Dodgers bullpen no favors. Five Dodgers relievers combined for six scoreless innings in the series-opening win on Thursday night. On Friday, a pair of newcomers were asked to soak up what was left after the Urías mess. It did not go well.</p>
<p id="NehfrZ">Jake Reed, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/21/23692291/michael-grove-injured-list-dodgers-roster-jake-reed-ryan-pepiot">called up earlier on Friday</a>, got the final two outs of the fourth inning, but then faced six batters in the fifth without retiring a single one. Patrick Wisdom’s three-run home run was the big blow of that was a seven-run inning, six charged to Reed.</p>
<p id="N8dES1">Andre Jackson followed, and allowed a three-run home run that scored the two runners left behind by Reed. Jackson allowed two runs himself, but also pitched three innings to at least get the Dodgers to the eighth.</p>
<p id="4Pussa">Luke Williams, who started at shortstop, pitched the eighth, the first Dodgers position player to pitch this season. Naturally, he pitched a 1-2-3 inning.</p>
<h3 id="kC1gtz">Notes</h3>
<ul>
<li id="wstiUX">After a two-inning start against the Cubs last July 10, Urías allowed 17 runs in 17 starts, for a 1.31 ERA before last Sunday’s loss to Chicago in Los Angeles. In his last three starts against the Cubs, Urías allowed 13 runs in 11 innings.</li>
<li id="DSsspI">Chris Taylor played the final three innings at second base then third base, after the Dodgers trailed 12-0, his first time in the field or at the plate since hurting his left side on Monday.</li>
<li id="iH0hub">With Williams pitching the ninth, Mookie Betts <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/21/23692313/mookie-betts-shortstop-dodgers-roster-depth-sheesh">got to play another inning at shortstop</a>, where he fielded a ground ball cleanly. Jason Heyward played first base, his first time at the position in his career. Friday was Heyward’s his 1,594th major league game.</li>
<li id="NEtCrI">The Dodgers shutout loss was their worst since 2018, when they lost 14-0 to Houston. It’s the <a href="https://stathead.com/sharing/dq32l">20th time since 1901 the Dodgers have been shutout and allowed at least 13 runs</a>.</li>
<li id="2hTJoC">The Dodgers are 1-6 in games started by left-handed pitchers, losing the last six <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/1/23666495/trayce-thompson-hits-three-home-runs-in-10-1-win-over-d-backs">after beating Madison Bumgarner on April 1</a>. Two of those losses are to Smyly.</li>
<li id="ayvmS1">The Dodgers have not won consecutive games since a three-game streak from April 3-6.</li>
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<h3 id="n4gMFy">Friday particulars</h3>
<p id="zq8sj7"><strong>Home runs</strong>: Cody Bellinger (5), Trey Mancini (2), Patrick Wisdom (9), Nico Hoerner (1)</p>
<p id="47besk"><strong>WP — Drew Smyly (2-1)</strong>: 7⅔ IP, 1 hit, 10 strikeouts</p>
<p id="gCRyJr"><strong>LP — Julio Urías (3-2)</strong>: 3⅓ IP, 7 hits, 5 runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts</p>
<h3 id="olW7me">Up next</h3>
<p id="JiyvZO">Dustin May gets the call for the Dodgers on Saturday afternoon (11:20 a.m. PT, SportsNet LA), facing Cubs rookie right-hander Hayden Wesneski.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/21/23692312/dodgers-offense-dear-lord-why-drew-smyly-julio-urias-oof-cubsEric Stephen2023-04-21T10:56:00-07:002023-04-21T10:56:00-07:00Dodgers vs. Cubs Game V chat
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago Cubs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_A5Z4w_nX8APOBYChkJ_GALuADg=/0x0:4200x2800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72204086/543737558.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="K0GOLd">Julio Urías makes his fifth start of the season for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> against the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field in Chicago.</p>
<p id="lv1QLv">Mookie Betts is back in the lineup, but in his usual position in right field.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> lineup at Cubs: <a href="https://t.co/zEesWnN8VL">pic.twitter.com/zEesWnN8VL</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1649434375241756673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is today's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> starting lineup.<br><br>Tune in: <a href="https://t.co/Gs2hZXyTjH">https://t.co/Gs2hZXyTjH</a> <a href="https://t.co/rZCy5qSOZE">pic.twitter.com/rZCy5qSOZE</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1649431749930131458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a>
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<h3 id="d0qUqJ">Game info</h3>
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<li id="ZL3WE1">Teams: Dodgers at Cubs</li>
<li id="tQFNfP">Stadium: Wrigley Field, Chicago</li>
<li id="ipxAAz">Time: 11:20 a.m. PT</li>
<li id="yx3Lxu">TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)</li>
<li id="dwj5Kq">Radio: AM 570 (English); KTNQ 1020 (Spanish)</li>
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https://www.truebluela.com/23690769/dodgers-cubs-game-chatEric Stephen2023-04-21T09:57:53-07:002023-04-21T09:57:53-07:00Reed called up with Grove on IL, Pepiot moved to 60-day IL
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<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kw7sq2W3MHfOYAwKra4rvtPWjCA=/0x0:4961x3307/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72203731/usa_today_20187318.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ryan Pepiot transferred to the 60-day injured list</p> <p id="pLQCwn">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> placed pitcher Michael Grove on the 15-day injured list with a strained right groin on Friday morning, one day after <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/20/23692174/michael-grove-injury-dodgers-pitching-depth">the right-hander left his start in the fourth inning</a>.</p>
<p id="BNDa5j">Jake Reed got the call up from Triple-A Oklahoma City, which gives the Dodgers an extra relief pitcher, at least temporarily. But the real question is who takes Grove’s spot in the rotation, which is likely to come next Wednesday in Pittsburgh.</p>
<p id="Gaxvfa">Tony Gonsolin made a rehab start for Oklahoma City on Thursday, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/20/23691424/tony-gonsolin-minor-league-rehab-start-ankle-injury">throwing 57 pitches in three-plus innings in Albuquerque</a>, allowing two runs while striking out seven. The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/17/23687389/tony-gonsolin-rehab-start-oklahoma-city-dodgers-left-ankle-sprain">original plan for Gonsolin</a> was at least two minor league rehab starts before returning from his sprained left ankle. But circumstances might dictate a change of plans.</p>
<p id="CDjnQ3">“He’s part of the conversation. We’re going to talk to the player development guys, the training staff,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters Thursday night after the game, <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1649269995044745216">per SportsNet LA</a>. “If we have to pivot on the rehab to get him active, we’ll do that. But whatever decision, we want to make sure he’s not in harm’s way.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I think that’s his goal in life to be a major league shortstop.” Dave Roberts commends Mookie for his effort and professionalism on SNLA. <a href="https://t.co/3zFKJ1yA0c">pic.twitter.com/3zFKJ1yA0c</a></p>— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1649269995044745216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a>
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<p id="VdbwXi">Grove on the shelf gives the Dodgers <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/3/30/23630044/los-angeles-dodgers-injured-list-tracker-2023">nine pitchers on the injured list</a>, plus <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/20/23689212/dodgers-roster-mookie-betts-activated-evan-phillips-paternity-list-yonny-hernandez-andre-jackson">Evan Phillips currently on the paternity list</a>. </p>
<p id="MjPadB">Reed pitched in three games for Oklahoma City so far this season, allowing five runs in 2... innings, with three walks and two strikeouts. This is the third time Reed has been in the majors with the Dodgers, joining different organizations in between each stint.</p>
<p id="ijfwi9">Since missing a week for the birth of his son, Reed pitched once for Oklahoma City, throwing a scoreless inning last Sunday.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="a6CQbp"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Dodgers 40-man roster","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2023/2/16/23596648/dodgers-roster-2023-transactions"},{"title":"Injured list tracker","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2023/3/30/23630044/los-angeles-dodgers-injured-list-tracker-2023"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="RYT09g">Reed does have one option year remaining, having used options in 2021 and 2022.</p>
<p id="35TS9P">To make room on <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/2/16/23596648/dodgers-roster-2023-transactions">the 40-man roster</a> for Reed, Ryan Pepiot was transferred to the 60-day injured list. This is a stark contrast to opening day, when Pepiot landed on the 15-day IL with a strained left oblique, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/3/30/23663629/ryan-pepiot-injured-list-dodgers-left-oblique-strain">with Pepiot saying at the time he was glad they caught it early</a>.</p>
<p id="sbT8zV">Pepiot as of this week had yet to throw a baseball, and was taking much longer than expected in his recovery. Getting moved to the 60-day IL means the earliest Pepiot could be activated is May 29.</p>
<p id="g2Npt7">“We’re all just kind of miffed at the slow progress,” <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/17/23687389/tony-gonsolin-rehab-start-oklahoma-city-dodgers-left-ankle-sprain">Roberts said Monday at Dodger Stadium</a>.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/21/23692291/michael-grove-injured-list-dodgers-roster-jake-reed-ryan-pepiotEric Stephen2023-04-20T05:05:00-07:002023-04-20T05:05:00-07:00Dodgers vs. Cubs series info, Wrigley Field version
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago Cubs - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZvnjEIUEEVJZi2piZgK2uiJPEqM=/0x0:4498x2999/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72198529/1316452055.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Four games this weekend in Chicago</p> <p id="lh6v3q">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> for a second straight weekend will play the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, this time for four games at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Cubs won two of three games last weekend at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p id="ADuhXl">Thursday is technically the first day <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/17/23687428/will-smith-injury-dodgers-thursday-return-catching-plan-austin-barnes-austin-wynns">that Will Smith is eligible to return from the concussion injured list</a>, but it doesn’t sound like that will happen right away, if at all during the series.</p>
<p id="inhbfT">Mookie Betts <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/18/23688806/mookie-betts-paternity-list-dodgers-roster-luke-williams-daniel-hudson">is on the paternity list</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1648764624358236161">could be back Thursday or Friday</a>.</p>
<p id="IbYqOX">Miguel Rojas <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/19/23689938/miguel-rojas-injury-dodgers-hamstring-yonny-hernandez">was placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain on Wednesday</a>, and the Dodgers in the previous two days <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/18/23688806/mookie-betts-paternity-list-dodgers-roster-luke-williams-daniel-hudson">called up utility players Luke Williams</a> and Yonny Hernández. </p>
<p id="FlCXsf">Chris Taylor <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/17/23687679/chris-taylor-injury-dodgers-left-side">left Monday’s game against the Mets with a left side injury</a>, but pinch-ran late in Wednesday’s game. When he’ll be cleared to bat remains to be seen.</p>
<p id="trbFUb">Rain has <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/5/3/22418353/los-angeles-dodgers-chicago-cubs-trevor-bauer-mlb-news">wiped out one game</a> in each of the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/5/6/23021486/dodgers-cubs-rainout-wrigley-field">last two times</a> the Dodgers visited Wrigley Field, and more rain is in the forecast for this series, with <a href="https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/624f0cccc10bececfa4c083056cef743837a76588790f476c9ebea44be35e51f#detailIndex5">Thursday the most likely day</a> to see showers <a href="https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/624f0cccc10bececfa4c083056cef743837a76588790f476c9ebea44be35e51f">in and around the game</a>.</p>
<h3 id="12RgWK">Dodgers vs. Cubs series info</h3>
<p id="GmCMSk"><strong>Thursday, 4:40 p.m. PT</strong><br>Michael Grove vs. Jameson Taillon<br><em>SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)</em></p>
<p id="qOP0YE"><strong>Friday, 11:20 a.m.</strong><br>Julio Urías vs. Drew Smyly (L)<br><em>SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)</em></p>
<p id="IPwtaH"><strong>Saturday, 11:20 a.m.</strong><br>Dustin May vs. Hayden Wesneski<br><em>SportsNet LA</em></p>
<p id="kXKr8O"><strong>Sunday, 11:20 a.m.</strong><br>Clayton Kershaw vs. Marcus Stroman<br><em>SportsNet LA</em></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2023/4/20/23690562/dodgers-schedule-cubs-game-time-wrigley-field-rain-tv-pitchingEric Stephen