JULIO URIAS has been been dropped by the Dodgers (Wikipedia)

From staff writers

The Los Angeles Dodgers slammed the San Diego Padres 11-2 on Tuesday night and moved closer to clinching the National League West pennant.

But that wasn’t the biggest news to come out of Chavez Ravine. Published reports indicate that pitcher Julio Urias has been placed on administrative leave in connection with a second domestic abuse incident.

Urias, part of the Dodger starting rotation, had a record of 11-8 with a 4.60 ERA. His locker has been cleared out and given to another player and murals bearing his image have been covered. Another pitcher – Kyle Hurt –has been called up to take his place in the roster.

However, on the field all was well for the Blue Crew.

Freddie Freeman celebrated his 34th birthday with four hits, including a two-run home run, his 26th round-tripper of the season. Also feasting on Padres pitching was Will Smith, who had two hits – including his 18th homer – and three RBIs.

Lance Lynn (11-11) got the win as the Dodgers’ record improved to 88-56, 13 games ahead of second place Arizona Diamondbacks.

In Seattle, the Los Angeles Angels managed just four hits and were thumped 8-0 by the Mariners. Leadoff  batter Nolan Schanuel got two of those hits.

Patrick Sandoval (7-13) was hammered for 10 hits and eight runs (five of them earned). He struck out five batters and walked none.

The Los Angeles Angels are 68-78 and still in fourth in the American League West, 14 games behind the first place Houston Astros.