Dodgers' Julio Urias: Holds down Nats in four-inning start

After being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, Urias (1-2) tamed the Nationals over four innings Thursday. He allowed one run on five hits while striking out four, but fell one frame short of factoring in the decision.

Analysis:

The Dodgers have been stricken with injuries to their rotation, hence needing Urias to start the series finale at Nationals Park. Having thrown only one inning over the past 16 days, Urias was on a strict pitch count that earned him the hook after just 77 pitches with a 6-1 lead. The 19-year-old phenom had made eight major league appearances before the All-Star break, posting a 4.95 ERA while notching 44 strikeouts in 36.1 innings. He's schedule to work primarily out of the team's bullpen during the second half of the season, while being called upon to make the occasional spot start when needed.