Jeff Samardzija and Julio Urias Headline The Giants-Dodgers Series Opener

The San Francisco veteran takes on the Los Angeles prospect in a long-standing rivalry

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Quick-Hitters

  • After a turbulent start to a promising career, Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Julio Urias is solidifying himself as the next big starter in the MLB.

  • Taking the mound for the San Francisco Giants is veteran Jeff Samardzija, who is struggling to find his form in this abbreviated season.

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Top Prospect Rounding Into Form

After debuting at age-19 to a 3.39 ERA across 18 appearances in 2016, Julio Urias struggled in a 2017 season that ultimately ended with shoulder surgery for a torn anterior capsule. Now, following two years in which the former top prospect found himself used in many roles, Urias is settling in as the Los Angeles Dodgers fourth starter by flashing his potential. 

Through two starts, the Mexico-native has a 2.45 ERA to accompany his 2.62 FIP. While his K/9 has dropped to 6.5, he has offset this development by inducing more groundouts. This is evidenced by his 48.5 percent ground ball rate. Expect Urias to carry his momentum over against the San Francisco Giants.

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Samardzija's Disappointments

While Urias’ career is taking off, former Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics pitcher, Jeff Samardzija, is much closer to the end. In 2019, the 34-year-old Samardzija experienced a resurgence by dropping his ERA and hits per nine to the lowest total in five years. Although the surface numbers look good, his advanced metrics, like his low .240 BABIP and high 4.59 FIP, suggests that he has performed better than he should have. 

In 2020, Samardzija hasn't been so lucky. After a delayed first start, the right-hander has given up ten runs in just 9.2 innings. According to reports, a blister has been persistent in his starts and has evaporated the use of his splitter. Regardless of the blister issue, the 35-year-old's numbers over the past three seasons depict a declining pitcher who has struggled mightily. This potent Los Angeles lineup should continue to pile misery atop the Notre Dame product.

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MVP Disclaimer

Samardzija and San Francisco’s bullpen can expect a tougher challenge if 2018 AL MVP, Mookie Betts, returns to the lineup. Manager Dave Roberts has stated that Friday is the “hope” for Betts to return. After leaving Sunday’s game with finger discomfort, the outfielder has only made two appearances as a defensive replacement due to swelling. 

Before he went down, Betts was settling in nicely to his new team, posting a .289/.347/.533 triple slash line to go along with a pair of home runs and seven RBI across 12 games. Without Betts, Los Angeles still presents a threatening lineup. With him, they can make a case for the league's best.