Dodgers pitching cavalry is coming

Dodger rookie right-hander Jose DeLeon made his debut in Chavez Ravine yesterday, tossing a six-hitter over six innings and getting a 7-4 win behind home runs by Yasiel Puig and Yasmani Grandal.

DeLeon showed why his the top pitching prospect in the Dodgers organization, striking out nine and showing great composure on the mound. He and Julio Urias could anchor the Los Angeles pitching staff of the future.

DeLeon's start marked the 15th different starting pitcher for the Dodgers this season, the most in the major leagues.

Injuries have decimated the Dodgers pitching corps but the organization responded by acquiring Rich Hill from Oakland and bringing up Urias and DeLeon to bolster the staff.

The Dodgers erased an eight-game deficit to the Giants and now hold a three-game lead over San Francisco as the season enters the final stretch.

Clayton Kershaw, who hasn't pitched since late June, completed a rehab assignment in the minors on Saturday and will take the hill Friday night in Miami against the Marlins. If Kershaw can regain his form and stay healthy, Dave Roberts will have Kershaw, Hill, Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda along with DeLeon and Urias to call on.

Urias is believed to be on an innings limit and could come out of the pen for the Dodgers, which has been stellar this season.

Hill, since recovering from a deep blister injury, has been spot on, winning two games and posting a 0.00 ERA for Los Angeles. On the season, Hill is 11-3 with a 1.94 ERA. Maeda, who squares off against Zack Greinke and the Diamondbacks tonight, leads the staff with 13 wins.

Kazmir is also expected to come off the DL after suffering a neck strain. He also threw a rehab assignment last week.