James McDonald proved he’s capable of being the fifth starter after going three shutout innings with three strikeouts in Thursday’s start against the Rockies. McDonald and Elbert held the Rockies to two hits until the fifth, when Eric Milton allowed the Rockies to rally for three runs. He gave up three more in the seventh and was pulled, making way for Ramon Troncoso and Mazone, who pitched a perfect ninth for the save.
The Dodgers built themselves a 5-0 lead in the fourth, highlighted by Xavier Paul’s three-run triple. James Loney, Blake DeWitt, and Juan Castro all had multi-hit games, with Loney and DeWitt both also have two RBI a piece.
Opening Day starter Hiroki Kuroda will make the start today facing the Royals.
Update on Billingsley: He skipped his bullpen session on Thursday and instead will throw a simulated game on Sunday. He should be healthy enough to make his first start of the regular season in less than two weeks.
