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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrate after a 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds in a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs as he grounds out during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández (37) high-fives first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani prepares to bat during the first inning a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman returns to the dugout after scoring off of a single hit by Andy Pages during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith catches a foul ball hit by Cincinnati Reds’ Jeimer Candelario during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas (11) celebrates with Will Smith (16) as he scores off of a single hit by Freddie Freeman during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs as he grounds out during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs as he grounds out during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) swings a strike during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India (6) and relief pitcher Carson Spiers (68) walks back to the dugout after the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) and shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) walk back to the dugout after the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates after a double during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) is at left. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) takes the field during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) and relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen (45) celebrate after a 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds in a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India (6) throws to first after outting Los Angeles Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández (37) during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman scores off of a single hit by Teoscar Hernández during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) returns to the dugout during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) returns to the dugout after grounding out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

LOS ANGELES — Admitting that he was running out of patience in a not-so-long wait to become a dominating pitcher again, it turns out that was actually Walker Buehler’s competitive side returning to the forefront again.

Buehler went six scoreless innings in his third start since returning from a nearly two-year absence after elbow surgery and his first since saying last week that the “happy-to-be-here thing” had about run its course.

“Yeah, it was finally fun again,” Buehler said. “It was good. It was good to put one together.”

The Dodgers 4-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds gave Buehler his first win since two years ago this week. More importantly, it announced that he is ready to take charge after a two-game feeling out process upon his return.

“To get back to 2019 or 2020 Walker, it’s a process,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game, addressing Buehler’s desire to improve. “I think he understands that but as a competitor, you expect the best out of yourself every time you take the mound.”

It wasn’t as if Buehler had much margin for error Saturday. The Dodgers were held scoreless over the first three innings and put together two runs in the fourth on an RBI single from Andy Pages and a run-scoring ground out from Gavin Lux.

Disaster nearly ensued with Buehler on the mound in the fifth inning when the Reds’ Jake Fraley drilled a one-out line drive to left-center field only for left fielder Miguel Vargas to cut off Pages in center, with the ball falling to the ground for a gift triple. The young outfielders narrowly avoided a violent collision.

“It’s just more of Andy taking charge out there and you’re in a bigger ballpark and there’s some more noise so just kind of making sure he’s more vocal with his voice,” Roberts said. “So that’ll get cleaned up.”

Buehler rode to the rescue as he escaped the jam by retiring Jeimer Candelario on a pop out and ended the threat by getting Jonathan India on a ground out to second base.

“That’s kind of the stuff I play for; we all talk about when you get that thing,” Buehler said. “Every time that I can do that and be successful is such a big thing, being out as long as I was. I don’t want to say that it’s kind of back to business as usual or whatnot, but I definitely feel a lot more settled in terms of where I’m at.”

The Dodgers immediately added their third run of the game in the bottom of the fifth when Miguel Rojas doubled with one out and Freddie Freeman lined a two-out RBI single to center field. Teoscar Hernandez added an RBI single in the eighth.

Buehler closed out his longest outing of the season so far when he struck out Elly De La Cruz and Mike Ford to end the top of the sixth inning. He finished with a season-high 78 pitches, but that was just one more than his 77 in each of his first two appearances.

“I can’t say enough about him,” Freeman said. “I mean, whatever happens it’s awesome for us no matter what, (and) for someone who’s gone through injuries like that. Whatever happens (success wise) down the road, so be it, but if we can get a healthy Walker that’s huge for us.”

Buehler’s seven strikeouts were one more than his first two outings combined and he didn’t allow a walk. He hit as high as 97.1 mph on the radar gun with a third-inning pitch and sat consistently in the 94-95 mph range.

The key for Buehler was listening to advice from multiple members of the coaching staff to change his foot positioning on the pitching rubber.

“I was telling my wife that I finally have to start listening to people, not just doing whatever I want all the time, so that’s been an interesting transition for me,” Buehler said. “But I kind of heard some people out and it went better so unfortunately I’m gonna have to keep listening to everybody.”

The bullpen took over from there as Michael Grove and Daniel Hudson each pitched a perfect inning and J.P Feyereisen finished off a stretch of 11 consecutive outs to end the game.

Feyereisen earned his second save, with three different Dodgers pitchers earning saves since Evan Phillips went on the injured list May 5 with a hamstring strain.

“I mean we’re all gonna have our games here and there where we don’t play well, but we know how good we are as a team,” Freeman said. “And the pitching has been really, really good all season long.”

Success has been a patchwork quilt of some strong starts, surprising success from a bullpen of interchangeable parts, solid infield defense, with bursts of power and production from the top of the order.

The Dodgers have always touted their depth and it has been key in keeping within reach of teams with the best records in the major leagues.

“I feel good,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Certain other guys have had opportunities in the pen; some starters, namely Gavin Stone. Offensively, I think we have been sporadic, certainly top heavy. Some guys around the bottom are on the come.”

Through all of their injuries in the bullpen, including Ryan Brasier, Evan Phillips, Joe Kelly, Brusdar Graterol and Kyle Hurt, the Dodgers still entered play Saturday with a National League-best 3.08 ERA from their relievers. Their 1.06 walks/hits per nine innings also led the NL.

Brasier could be operating out of the bullpen again in as early as a week as he nears the end of his recovery from a right calf strain. Phillips could be close behind as he recovers from a hamstring injury, although Roberts remains wary of setting a timetable.

On the starting rotation side, Bobby Miller threw a bullpen Saturday and is set for a three-inning simulated game next week. A minor league rehab assignment could begin as early as next weekend.

Clayton Kershaw also threw a bullpen Saturday afternoon but did it from the main Dodger Stadium mound as he remains on track for a return after the All-Star break.

“I think at the end of the day, we’re doing a good job of winning baseball games,” Roberts said. “How we do it each night has been different but I think that’s a lot of credit to the coaches and the players.”

BATTERY CHARGER

Mookie Betts was given the day off Saturday, one day after he was down on himself for his defensive play at shortstop. Roberts said the day to rest and relax already had been planned.

“Talking to Mookie, he wants to play every day but I just felt that 13 (games) in a row, it’s a good time,” Roberts said. “It’s a night game before a day game (so) get him back in there tomorrow. Recharge his battery. I think it just keeps him strong and allows him to watch a baseball game tonight.”

Roberts adjusted the lineup simply by moving everybody at the top of the order up one spot. It put Shohei Ohtani in the leadoff spot for the first time this season and the 61st time in his career as a member of the starting lineup.

DECISION PENDING

Roberts said a starter for Sunday still has not been decided, with right-hander Landon Knack an option to return from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Knack made his major league debut on April 17 and held his own by going 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts before he was returned to the minor leagues.

A spot start or another bullpen day on Sunday will give right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto a full week of rest, lining him up to pitch Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Yamamoto won three consecutive starts with a 0.90 ERA before he gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Monday.

ALSO

Notre Dame Sherman Oaks product Hunter Greene is set to take the mound for the Reds on Sunday in his second career start at Dodger Stadium. His outing against the Dodgers on April 16, 2022, was just the second of his promising career when he gave up two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings and took the loss while striking out six.

UP NEXT

Reds (RHP Hunter Greene, 2-2, 3.27 ERA) vs. Dodgers (TBA), 1:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, AM 570

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts gesture toward his dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers third baseman Kike Hernández, left, makes a running throw to first base in front of shortstop Mookie Betts for an out on the Cincinnati Reds’ Jonathan India during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits a solo home run off of Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts, right, hits a solo home run as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson watches during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts, second from left, heads to first after hitting a solo home run as Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas, left, and catcher Tyler Stephenson, second from right, watch along with home plate umpire Kerwin Danley during the XX inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts reacts to his leadoff home run, to take a 1-0 lead, during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts scores after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts, right, celebrates his leadoff home run with Shohei Ohtani during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, is congratulated by Shohei Ohtani after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, has sunflower seeds thrown at him by teammate Teoscar Hernandez after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, celebrates his leadoff home run with teammate Teoscar Hernández during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas throws to the plate against the Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani grimaces after a swing in front of Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani connects with the ball as he grounds out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts makes a throw to first in front of the Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson to complete a double play during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches the flight of his two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani heads to first after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani gestures as he heads to second after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani gestures toward his dugout as he rounds third after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after his two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates his two-run home run next to Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, celebrates with teammate Will Smith after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, has sunflower seeds tossed at him by Teoscar Hernandez after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has sunflower seeds tossed at him by Teoscar Hernandez after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws to the plate during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Mike Ford reacts to his strikeout during the fourth inning of their game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts loses his grip on the ball while failing to turn a double play during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Jonathan India celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run following an error by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts to trail 3-1 to the Dodgers, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, left, and second baseman Gavin Lux talk after failing to turn a double play during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Stuart Fairchild, right, celebrates with teammate Will Benson after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Stuart Fairchild celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton reacts to a solo home run from the Cincinnati Reds’ Stuart Fairchild during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward reacts as he breaks his bat on a pop fly in front of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson for an out during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after striking out during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, right, hits a solo home run as Dodgers catcher Will Smith watches during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson hits a solo home run off of Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, left, watches the flight of his solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, right, gestures toward his bullpen as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run as Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman looks on during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson puts the home run robe and helmet on teammate Tyler Stephenson after he hit a home run during the sixth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani grounds into a fielder’s choice during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, is safe at first as Cincinnati Reds first baseman Jeimer Candelario misses the throw during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. Ohtani advanced to second on the overthrown ball. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani rounds third on the way to scoring on a single by Will Smith during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani scores on a single by Will Smith as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson stands at the plate during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani slides as he scores the go-ahead run past Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, yells after scoring on a single by Will Smith as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson stands at the plate during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring on a single by Will Smith during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, left, fails to block a wild pitch from Fernando Cruz as the Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández stands at bat, allowing Freddie Freeman, not pictured, to score during the seventh inning on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Freddie Freeman scores on a wild pitch from Cincinnati Reds pitcher Fernando Cruz during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Dodgers’ Gavin Lux, right, celebrates with teammate Freddie Freeman after Freeman scored on a wild pitch during the seventh inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward gestures as he rounds second after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward reacts as he crosses home plate after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Dodgers’ Jason Heyward (23) celebrates with teammates Kike Hernández, center, and Andy Pages after Heyward hit a two-run home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson throws to the plate during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson, right, and cactcher Will Smith celebrate after the final out of a 7-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Members of the Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani, second from right, congratulate each other after the Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-3 in a baseball game Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman walks on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, upper left, warms up before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch as his son Uriah looks at Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy prior to a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The 2005 Heisman Trophy belonging to former USC running back Reggie Bush is seen before Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, top, poses with his family and the 2005 Heisman Trophy before throwing out the ceremony first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  The 2005 Heisman Trophy belonging to former USC running back Reggie Bush is seen before Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, left, jokes with laughs after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Former USC running back Reggie Bush, left, and former USC quarterback Matt Leinart meet on the field after a ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush, left, jokes with former USC quarterback Matt Leinart after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after a throwing session before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller, left, jokes with Shohei Ohtani prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller, right, jokes with Shohei Ohtani prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  A young fan looks at Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani after he gave her a ball prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto warms up prior to a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES — Friday morning, Shohei Ohtani, Dave Roberts and other members of the Dodgers’ organization were at city hall for as long as Ohtani plays for the Dodgers.

Before the game Friday night, Ohtani was asked jokingly if there were any special traditions he would like to establish for Ohtani Day. He played along and laughed off suggestions of gift exchanges or special decorations.

Asked what an appropriate food might be for future Ohtani Day meals, he said, “Sushi” – then as he walked away, “Or pizza.”

A few hours later, Ohtani marked the day in his own way, hitting a two-run home run and later scoring the tie-breaking run as the Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds, 7-3.

“He didn’t homer on his bobblehead day (on Thursday) so he was due to homer on some significant Ohtani day,” Roberts said. “We’ll take the home run on Shohei Ohtani Day.”

The opposite-field home run in the third inning was Ohtani’s 13th of the season, tying him with Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson and Houston’s Kyle Tucker for the major-league lead.

Ohtani’s homer built on an early lead supplied by Mookie Betts, who led off the game with a home run. It was the 51st leadoff home run of his career, fifth all-time.

But the Reds chipped away against James Paxton to tie the score in the sixth inning on Tyler Stephenson’s solo home run.

Their first run scored during a rough defensive inning for Betts in the fourth. Betts made a throwing error as the run scored and, on the next play, dropped a potential double play ball on the turn at second base, settling for a forceout.

“Making errors really bothers me. It really, really bothers,” Betts said. “Just have to be better than that, man. It doesn’t just affect me, it affects Paxton to throw more pitches. I just have to keep working.”

With the score tied 3-3, Kiké Hernandez led off the seventh inning with a single. Two batters later, Ohtani hit a hard ground ball at first baseman Jeimer Candelario. Candelario got the forceout at second base but shortstop Elly De La Cruz’s return throw – pointless because Ohtani was too fast to be doubled up on the play – went into the Reds’ dugout.

“Obviously he hit the ball hard to Candelario there,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s ground ball, which had an exit velocity of 100.5 mph. “Kiké did a great job that doesn’t get noticed. He ran inside the baseline. That forced the high throw to De La Cruz then forced the errant throw to the first baseman.

“Just a heads-up play by Kiké and running the ball out by Shohei.”

Ohtani went to second on the throwing error. After an intentional walk of Freddie Freeman, Will Smith shot a ground ball into left field for a single that drove in Ohtani with the go-ahead run. Freeman went to third on the play then scored on a wild pitch by Reds reliever Fernando Cruz.

“It’s an open base. You sort of pick your poison,” Roberts said of Reds manager David Bell’s decision to walk Freeman and have the right-handed Cruz pitch to Smith. “But to me, if you’re going to pitch to Will, I’ll take our chances any day.”

In the eighth inning, Jason Heyward broke the game open with a two-run home run off another Reds reliever, Alexis Diaz. Heyward was activated from the injured list before the game.

“It’s huge. It kind of put the game out of reach at that point and it’s a good welcome back,” Betts said of Heyward’s homer. “I’m glad he’s back.”

Heyward had been out since March 30 with a lower back strain and went 0 for 6 on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City this week, ending that after two games.

“He was getting very antsy not playing,” Roberts said. “Certainly a two-game rehab is not very extensive, given the time he was off. Jason even said it – ‘I just want to get back in this environment, I think it’ll make me better, kind of speed up the process of getting back into the flow of things.’”

No rehab assignment can prepare you for major-league competition, Heyward said.

“I don’t think there’s such a thing as ready or not, I think it’s a mental thing,” he said. “You can go have an amazing rehab stint, and then come back. You’re still going to have to adjust. It’s still a different game. There’s still different information. No disrespect to anyone that’s not here – but guys here are the best at what they do and they know how to execute.

“I just tried to keep making adjustments. I’m going to have to make adjustments the next day, the next day and the next day. Fifteen years of experience will help you do that.”

Leadoff blast for Mookie Betts!

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA)

13th homer of the year for Shohei Ohtani

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA)

The are back in front thanks to a Will Smith single!

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA)

"Across the board it was really good." Dave Roberts on tonight's win over the Reds.

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA)

Mookie Betts on his defense at short: "Making errors really bothers me… You just have to be better than that, man. That's really all it is… got to keep working."

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA)

J-HEY LIFTOFF

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA)

"Awesome to be back out there, I'll never take that for granted, playing the game. But it's huge to get an at-bat like that, add on, keep some pressure off of us." – Jason Heyward on his return.

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA)

In a series of moves, third baseman Max Muncy was placed on the injured list, outfielder Jason Heyward was activated from the IL, outfielder James Outman was demoted to Triple-A along with left-hander Nick Ramirez while Miguel Vargas and right-hander Ricky Vanasco were promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Muncy injured an oblique muscle during batting practice before Thursday’s game. An MRI revealed a mild strain and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the expectation is that Muncy will be able to return when he is eligible on May 26.

“It just kind of grabbed a little bit. So he cut his batting practice short,” Roberts said. “I think we got ahead of it. … I’m sure he’s not going to swing the bat for a couple, two, three days and the hope is he’ll be back on line on the 11th day.”

Outman, meanwhile, has struggled badly at the plate ( .147 batting average and .516 OPS) and was not showing signs of coming out of it – he was 2 for his last 32 with 14 strikeouts. Andy Pages’ ability to play center field and the return of another left-handed hitting outfielder in Heyward prompted the Dodgers to make the decision to send Outman to OKC where he can hopefully work his way back in a less-pressurized environment.

“It was a tough one. I don’t think any of us expected to be in this position, given last year and our expectation for him this season,” Roberts said of Outman, who finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting last season. “But with the inconsistencies, the struggles, Jason coming back. … Andy’s play the last six weeks, we just felt that James needed an opportunity to go down and play every day. There’s something to getting out of this environment, performance-based and just go out there and playing baseball. Once we can get him back on track, then we can get him back here.”

Vargas can certainly relate to fumbling away a job at the major-league level. The Dodgers’ every-day second baseman for the first half of last season, he hit just .195 and was demoted at the All-Star break, spending the rest of the season in Triple-A.

The Dodgers’ top-ranked position player prospect before last year, Vargas has rediscovered his swing this season in Triple-A. He hit .295 with a 1.019 OPS thanks to 14 doubles and eight home runs in 39 games.

“He’s back to being who he is. I hope that carries over,” Roberts said. “He has a lot more clarity. He’s taking better swings, better at-bats, much better production.”

Vargas acknowledges now that a pair of hand injuries led to his downward spiral in 2023. He suffered a hairline fracture of his pinkie finger early in spring training then was hit by a pitch early in the season.

“I feel obviously the injury I had last year really affected my swing and now I feel like I’m stronger than last year,” Vargas said.

“After the injury I was doing a lot of bad habits and it was hard for me to get back to what I want to be. … “It took long. I don’t even think when I got sent down to Triple-A last year was my best version. Getting an offseason helped me a lot. I recovered my hand and worked on my strength. I really think that helped me, too.”

Moved around between third base, first base and second base in the minors before last season, Vargas returns now as a left fielder. It is the only position he has played in Triple-A this season and the only place the Dodgers will use him, Roberts said.

Kiké Hernandez and Miguel Rojas will replace Muncy at third base, Roberts said, with Vargas and Chris Taylor getting playing time in left field when Teoscar Hernandez is there.

“I don’t think that any of those four guys has earned the opportunity to play every single day,” Roberts said. “So now, it’s about when you get opportunities go out there and play good to create more opportunity for yourself.”

ALSO

The Dodgers acquired journeyman left-hander Anthony Banda from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations. Banda, 30, has been in Triple-A this year where he had a 2.65 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 17 innings. Banda has a 5.69 ERA in 90 career appearances over parts of seven major-league seasons. He is not on the 40-man roster.

UP NEXT

Reds (RHP Graham Ashcraft, 3-2, 4.12 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Walker Buehler, 0-1, 7.36 ERA), Saturday, 6:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a run during the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson tosses his bat after hitting a home run during the first inning of a game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson rounds third base after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson, left, celebrates with teammate Elly De La Cruz as Benson returns to the dugout after hitting a home run during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson, right, celebrates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson celebrates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a home run during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a home run to the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz steals second base ahead of a throw to Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux during the first inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a second run to the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Cincinnati Reds opening pitcher Brent Suter throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani warms up before batting during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani leads off first base during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani steals second base during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani steals second base as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal leaps for the throw during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani steals second base as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal leaps for the throw during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani steals second base ahead of a throw to Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal (4) during the first inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers rookie outfielder Andy Pages, who has a tattoo that says “Jesus is the Hero” on his neck, looks on from the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagán throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor hits a single during the second inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson hits an RBI single during the third inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell, left, greets Elly De La Cruz after he scored a run during the third inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Nick Martinez throws to the plate during the third inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani reacts after hitting a foul ball during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani looks over his tablet during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz steals second base ahead of a tag by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts during the fifth inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz adjusts his helmet after stealing second base during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a run during the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz reacts after scoring on a wild pitch by Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow walks off the field after the top of the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow wipes his face as he walks off the field after the top of the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers center fielder James Outman, right, catches a fly ball hit by the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson as he avoids colliding with left fielder Chris Taylor during the seventh inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after a strikeout during the sixth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Nick Martinez reacts after the top of the seventh inning of their game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor walks back toward the dugout after striking out looking during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes, back, tags out the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson as home plate umpire Bill Miller looks on during the ninth inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes, back, tags out the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson during the ninth inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor flips his bat after he struck out swinging to end their 7-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal, left, and shortstop Elly De La Cruz celebrate after their 7-2 victory over the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Fans carry bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is seen before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani prepares to catch a ceremonial first pitch before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani crouches as he prepares to catch a ceremonial first pitch before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani are given to fans before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Fans carry bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani are given to fans before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani are given to fans before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Fans carry bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani are given to fans before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Dodgers fans wear Shohei Ohtani shirts as players workout before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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  Bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani were given to fans before the team’s game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-ɫ����̳/SCNG)

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  Fans carry bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani that were given out before the team’s game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES — No matter what the Dodgers did, they couldn’t stop Elly De La Cruz.

De La Cruz went 4 for 4 with a double, three runs scored and a career-high four stolen bases to propel the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-2 victory over the Dodgers on Thursday night. The Reds’ 22-year-old wunderkind became the first player to steal four bases in a game against the Dodgers since 2009.

The Dodgers were merely De La Cruz’s latest victim – he now leads MLB with 30 stolen bases in just 44 games this season, just the sixth player since 1901 to swipe that many that fast (Rickey Henderson did it three times).

“You try to keep guys like that off the bases,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And if you can’t, then you’re sort of on your heels, and that’s kind of what happened tonight.”

With the notoriously slow-to-the-plate Tyler Glasnow on the mound for the Dodgers, De La Cruz ran wild. He singled and stole second base in the first inning, doubled and stole third base in the third inning and, in the fifth inning, drew a two-out walk and immediately stole both second and third base. All four of his stolen bases came with Glasnow on the mound. He came around to score each time.

“I think all the pitches I threw to him were bad,” Glasnow said. “And then on the basepaths, obviously, just me not being quick holding runners, he’s extremely fast. He’s a good baserunner.”

The Dodgers finally got a small measure of revenge in the seventh. De La Cruz poked a single into right field off reliever Nick Ramirez and promptly attempted his fifth steal of the night, but Austin Barnes fired a perfect bullet to second base to finally throw De La Cruz out.

That was the only time the Dodgers would get the best of De La Cruz. The electrifying speedster reached base in all five of his plate appearances with three singles, a double and a walk and capped the scoring with an RBI infield single in the ninth.

“He’s a really good player,” said Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, was spoiled by the loss. “I do believe that the team really rallied around him today. A very impressive performance tonight.”

Glasnow struggled with more than just De La Cruz. Facing a Reds’ offense that entered batting a National League-worst .218, Glasnow surrendered four runs on six hits over five innings and allowed hard contact from the outset.

Will Benson led off the game with a titanic home run that traveled 439 feet into the right field pavilion to give the Reds an immediate 1-0 lead. De La Cruz followed with a hard single into center that left his bat at 100.5 mph. Mike Ford lifted a towering fly ball to center. After Glasnow struck out Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson ripped an RBI double into the left field corner to score De La Cruz and give the Reds a 2-0 lead.

In all, four of the Reds’ first five batters hit balls with exit velocities of at least 100 mph off of Glasnow.

“Just not a lot of rhythm, just kind of stiff today,” Glasnow said. “… Just today, things were not where they were at (previously).”

While De La Cruz and the Reds tormented Glasnow, the Dodgers’ lineup went dormant against the Reds’ bullpen game. With Max Muncy and Will Smith getting the night off, the Dodgers managed just four hits against seven Reds relievers. They avoided a shutout by the thinnest of margins when Gavin Lux stroked a two-run single with two outs in the ninth, long after the outcome was decided.

Other than that, the Dodgers came up empty. Reds pitchers retired 14 consecutive Dodgers at one point in a stretch that spanned from the fourth through eighth innings.

Nick Martinez, who long tormented the Dodgers as a member of the San Diego Padres’ pitching staff, picked up the win with five scoreless innings of relief as the Reds’ bulk reliever.

“They sort of just mixed and matched with the bullpen game,” Roberts said. “I mean, they got through two innings doing that and (we) really didn’t have an answer tonight for Nick Martinez and didn’t really threaten.”

Cincinnati snapped the Dodgers’ franchise record of 22 straight games allowing four runs or fewer. The Dodgers lost back-to-back games for the first time since April 19-20 and have dropped four of seven overall.

Instead, his season is over before ever throwing a pitch.

The Dodgers announced Sheehan had UCL surgery in his right elbow on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the 2024 season. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the procedure in Los Angeles.

Sheehan, 24, went 4-1 with a 4.92 ERA in 13 appearances (11 starts) for the Dodgers as a rookie last season. He had yet to pitch in a game this year due to forearm discomfort.

“It just wasn’t responding the way we had hoped,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “So I think at that point in time, we just feel that with the information he was getting, that getting the surgery was the right was the right decision.”

A 6-foot-5, 220-pound right-hander, Sheehan showed swing-and-miss stuff in his debut last season with 64 strikeouts in 60 innings and made the Dodgers’ postseason roster. He entered spring training with a chance to win a spot in the starting rotation before being felled by injury.

He was in the process of rehabbing and recently played long toss at Dodger Stadium, but the lack of progress convinced the Dodgers that surgery was the best option.

“That’s something that is unfortunate to end his season,” Roberts said, “but we expect a full recovery.”

OHTANI BOBBLEHEAD DRAWS A CROWD

The Dodgers gave away Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads to the first 40,000 fans in attendance for Thursday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. Some went to extreme lengths to ensure they wouldn’t be left empty-handed.

Fans lined up outside the gates to enter Dodger Stadium more than four hours before first pitch, with the line stretching down the hill along Stadium Way. More tried to enter by driving into the parking lot, but were turned away with the gates still closed.

The cheapest individual ticket available on StubHub for the game cost $146, including fees, roughly 2½ hours before game time. In comparison, the cheapest available ticket for next Tuesday’s game, when the team is giving away Mookie Betts bobbleheads, was $59.

TAYLOR RETURNS TO LINEUP

Chris Taylor was back in the starting lineup against the Reds, batting seventh and playing left field. It was his first appearance since May 7.

Taylor, 33, entered the game batting .071 (4 for 56) with zero extra-base hits and 28 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances this season. Roberts said Taylor used the eight days out of the lineup to work on his swing mechanics and hopes to see a resulting improvement.

“With Chris, there’s obviously been a lot of swing and miss in his game,” Roberts said. “I think for me, it’s the indecisiveness of when to swing, when not to swing. I think that this year there’s been the swing and miss and the indecision, whether it’s a take or a check swing. I don’t know if he’s guessing or he’s in between, but (I want to see) just sort of some clarity when he’s out in the batter’s box.”

ROSTER MOVES

The Dodgers recalled left-handed pitcher Nick Ramirez and optioned right-hander Eduardo Salazar prior to the series opener against the Reds.

Salazar, 26, pitched two innings with one run allowed in his Dodgers debut against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.

Ramirez, 34, has posted a 1.29 ERA in five appearances over two stints with the Dodgers this year. He gives the bullpen a fresh arm with the team in the midst of a stretch of playing 13 days in a row.

UP NEXT

Reds (RHP Frankie Montas, 2-3, 4.20 ERA) at Dodgers (LHP James Paxton, 5-0, 2.58 ERA), Friday, 7:10 p.m. SportsNet LA, KLAC 570 AM

Related:

The Dodgers are giving away this Shohei Ohtani bobblehead to the first 40,000 fans at tonight's game, with 1,700 surprise road gray uniform Ohtani bobbleheads to also be given out at random

— MLB (@MLB)

Ready for Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Night presented by Guggenheim? The first 40,000 fans will receive the item. As a special surprise, 1,700 road gray jersey bobbleheads will be randomly mixed in with the giveaway.

:

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers)

The Shohei Ohtani bobblehead is a part of the seasonal at their games this season. The bobblehead, which depicts a smiling Ohtani with his bat perched above his left shoulder in a box with a design featuring Japanese anime, was available to the first 40,000 fans at the game. Of those, 1,700 featured the superstar in the team’s road gray uniform and were to be given out at random.

The giveaway attracted a sellout crowd of 53,527 – the largest in the majors this season and the most at Dodger Stadium since Sept. 20, 2019.

Related:

By 3 p.m. the line had already made its way outside of the stadium, with cars being turned away until gates were set to open at 4 p.m.

A line has formed outside Dodger Stadium. Cars being turned away at gate until gate open at 4. # ShoheiOhtaniBobblehead

— DodgersBeat (@DodgersBeat)

The first SHOHEI OHTANI Dodger bobble head night!

What do we think Dodger fans?

— Olivia Garvey (@OliviaNBCLA)

Line for Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.

— David Todd (@DTonPirates)

Ohtani Bobblehead night in full effect!

— Elisa Hernandez (@EHernandezTV)

Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night line with my brother & .

— Joseph Cecena (@joe2strong)

Did not expect so many people here at Dodger Stadium an hour before the stadium gates open. Even if it's Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night.

— Hubert Wong (@Hubert_Wong2)

Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night at Dodgers Stadium tonight. Gates don’t open for a couple of hours and the line is already crazy.

This is the line for Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night three hours before the game

night @MLB Network

By 5 p.m., attendees had started to receive their bobbleheads, with some resellers taking to eBay, where the Ohtani giveaway was being offered for $150 and up with sellers advertising it as new in the box. One of the gray uniform bobbleheads was listed for $2,300 on eBay.

The Dodgers have scheduled three other Ohtani giveaways this season to mark his first year with the team after spending six seasons in Anaheim with the Angels. They will offer a hat, a second bobblehead and a shirt.

Shohei Ohtani Bobbleheads for tonight's Dodgers game are already popping up on eBay for more than $100.

The special road gray uniform (1,700 available at random out of the 40,000 bobbleheads) is currently being listed for just under $1,000.
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— Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_)

The other good part, The place was rocking. The bad part: This should have been on a larger stage. The paid attendance was 3,847 in the 4,000-or-so capacity Pyramid at Long Beach State. This is the WNBA’s moment, and the league’s individual teams have to figure out a way to take advantage of it.

Also a tease for the column: Layshia Clarendon, pride of San Bernardino’s Cajon High and one who absolutely gets it, had some pretty pertinent things to say about where the league is now and, in response to my question, where it will be in another 27 years or so.

There’s some veteran leadership on the roster, with Clarendon, Dearica Hamby and Kia Nurse, who had a triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists for Clarendon), a double-double (20 points, 14 rebounds for Hamby) and an 8-for-16 shooting night with 5-for 11 from behind the arc (Nurse, with a team-high 23 points). That leadership will pay dividends as the season continues. Whether it will bring a playoff spot with it remains to be seen, but I think this team is in good hands beyond this year.

Mirjam Swanson: Dearica told me the other day that the Sparks won’t be a lottery team this year – and I’d love to believe her, because I like when L.A. gets fired up about women’s hoops, like folks did this past college basketball season.

But I don’t know.

Miller, however, is someone who certainly does know what he’s talking about, and he’s right: The priority this season should absolutely be developing Brink (who had several highlights to write home about!) and Jackson, and second- and third-year talents like Zia Cooke and Rae Burrell. And, sure, part of that development is learning how to win in the WNBA – which isn’t easy.

I’m glad the Sparks put on a good show in their opener against Atlanta, but – like the Sparks – not a ton is expected this season from the Dream.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the Sparks fare against the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. If they can make that a competitive ballgame, well! Then the Sparks might really be up to something. And Dearica can be like: Told ya.

We’ll see!

Jim: Meanwhile, the Great Lakers Coach Search continues (and yes, that title is an homage to the late Herald-Examiner sports editor and columnist, Bud Furillo). And sure enough, JJ Redick seems to be the favorite to get the job. This baffles me. You just fired a guy, Darvin Ham, in part because he wasn’t the finished product in terms of strategy and managing a game. (Those were the public reasons, anyway.) And now you’re going to hire a guy with no – none, zip, zero, nada – coaching experience to lead a franchise with enormous pressure and enormous expectations.

Sorry, but this makes no sense.

And as I suggested last week when I wrote a column about the (misguided) notion that LeBron James could be a player-coach (he can’t, according to the collective bargaining agreement), bringing in Redick would be about the same thing as giving the reins to LeBron. As Marc Stein – which I recommend subscribing to, if you haven’t already – this could divide the locker room. Stein quoted Udonis Haslem on ESPN’s NBA Today thusly:

“If it’s JJ [Redick], it’s going to be a cynical locker room. You’re gonna see guys that are gonna say, ‘Is Coach gonna do a podcast after the game with LeBron?’ You gonna have a cynical locker room of guys that are gonna side-eye everything JJ says, cause they’re gonna wonder, ‘Is it JJ’s message or LeBron’s message?’”

And there’s this from Tim Hardaway Sr. – you know, the Run TMC Golden State Warriors’ Tim Hardaway – who was one of those who originally floated a player-coach role for LeBron:

“If you’re just going to hire JJ Redick … LeBron is going to run everything, going to run practice, going to run games; he’s just going to run everything.”

I’d like to believe that Rob Pelinka – after, of course, consulting with Jeanie Buss and her kitchen cabinet – decides that someone with more experience should be in charge. And in fact the Lakers do seem to be doing their due diligence, although it’s also been suggested that they’re stalling for time until after the NBA Finals and after Redick’s broadcast commitment to ESPN runs out.

What do you think, Mirjam? Will the folks in the Laker building come to their senses on this one?

Mirjam: I saw that segment with Haslem live. Austin Rivers was on that episode too, echoing similar thoughts. Of course, not to be cynical, but I had to wonder what their motivations were.

Because Haslem advocated for the hiring of Chris Quinn, the longest-tenured assistant coach on the Miami Heat’s coaching staff. Though Haslem made sure to point out: “I’m not just saying this ’cause Chris Quinn is my guy …”

And Rivers voiced his support for Sam Cassell, a longtime assistant of Doc Rivers (Austin’s dad) at different stops, including with the Clippers.

That said, the next Lakers coach will have to check a ton of boxes, foremost among them: Does LeBron respect you?

Think back to 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers excused David Blatt and hired Tyronn Lue (even though they had the Eastern Conference’s best record – 30-11 – at the time).

There were all these stories back then about how Blatt hadn’t been able to control the huddle or keep LeBron’s attention in those moments. (Sound familiar, Lakers fans?) But remember what happened when Ty took over? What he reportedly, famously told LeBron when LeBron tried to override him, and how that helped establish his gravitas in that setting? “Shut the [expletive] up. I got this.”

Is JJ a guy to do that (probably) and get away with it/make it work (maybe)?

I don’t actually think hiring a coach with none, zip, zero, nada coaching experience for THIS job is the right call. But it’s hard to predict which basketball mind will meld successfully with LeBron’s.

Jim: Two more NBA thoughts: You think Austin might have been influenced by the idea

And here’s one more LeBron-related item. Now he’s backing away from the idea that he’d want to play for the same NBA team that his son Bronny would go to. (I can’t possibly imagine Bronny is ready yet, but that’s beside the point). But could you imagine them playing against each other in the NBA? What happens the first time Bronny steals the ball from his old man and goes to the other end for a layup? Would that be the chase-down block to end all chase-down blocks?

(Kids these days!)

OK, last subject of the day: Chris Taylor. He has been the worst hitter in the big leagues this spring (4 for 56, .071, minus 0.7 WAR), and after Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had proclaimed that he wanted to give Taylor some “runway” to get right, Taylor hasn’t played since May 7.

And now Jason Heyward is getting ready to come off the injured list, and someone needs to make room. You’ve got James Outman, who isn’t hitting much better (.151, minus-0.5 WAR) but has minor-league options left. Is it that tough a choice? Outman can get himself straightened out by going to the minor leagues, but if he stays he can still provide outfield defense. Taylor still has two years and $30 million left (minus what he’s already been paid this year) on his contract, two years at $13 million and a $4 million buyout if his option isn’t picked up for 2026. (Outman is signed for this year at $770,000.)

Or, to put it another way, which one do you assign a phantom injury to in order to activate Heyward? (Not that that’s ever done in the big leagues, of course.)

Mirjam: Oh, man. Taylor is having such a rough go of it. He has to be the odd man out, if you’re going the phantom injury route. But overall, long term, what to do with him if he can’t get it going? And how can he get it going if he’s not playing? And how can you play him when he’s not hitting, like, at all?

Taylor has been a Dodger for almost a decade, come through in the clutch in the postseason, and was rewarded with a four-year, $60 million deal after the 2021 season – which limits what the Dodgers will want to do with him, right?

But he’s become less versatile (just two innings at second base, otherwise, he’s played exclusively in left field) and obviously, .071 is .071. Yeesh.

But I just read a suggestion from that might help, if Dodger fans are so obliged: Clap for CT3.

No, really. Think about the Philadelphia Phillies’ fans treatment of Trea Turner last season.

How they’d booed him (naturally, it’s Philly) after he got off to a poor start before a local radio producer had an idea before Turner’s first at-bat during an August homestand, suggesting, as Michael Elizondo recounted: “That the fans of Citizens Bank Park should try to bolster Turner’s feelings by giving him a standing ovation.”

Seem hokey?

“Maybe a little,” Elizondo wrote, “but here’s the strange thing: it helped … correlation is not causation but Turner was a far different and better player after the standing ovation for the rest of the season than before it, slashing .337/.389/.668 in his final 48 games.”

And by Turner’s own admission: “I owe you guys a thank you. I’ve heard that you guys were responsible, so I want to say thank you for you guys. I started playing a lot better, and it was thanks to you guys and the crowd.”

These athletes are human, after all, and what Taylor is going through is so very human. So … what could it hurt, at this point?

Jim: My suspicion was that this would be taken out of the fans’ hands. But … a bulletin: Taylor’s in the lineup tonight against the Cincinnati Reds, hitting seventh (right in front of Outman, in fact). So let’s see how the fans react.

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  San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits a single against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits a single in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after a called strike against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts to a called strike during the first inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night in San Francisco. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Elieser Hernández throws to the plate during the second inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night in San Francisco. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux throws out San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski at first base during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stands in the on-deck circle during the second inning of the team’s baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb throws to the plate against the Dodgers in the third inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts to striking out in the third inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after striking out against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers starting pitcher Elieser Hernández throws to the plate against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  The San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski, right, is congratulated by third base coach Matt Williams (9) for a two-run home run against the Dodgers during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  The San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski, middle, celebrates after hitting a two-run home run that also scored Curt Casali (18), next to Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb reacts after center fielder Luis Matos caught a fly ball hit by the Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández during the fourth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a single against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches his single against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers star Freddie Freeman hits a single against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, left, gestures after hitting a single against the San Francisco Giants, next to first base coach Clayton McCullough during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers pitcher Elieser Hernández works against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  San Francisco Giants catcher Curt Casali throws out the Dodgers’ James Outman at first base during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  The Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández reacts after striking out against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  The San Francisco Giants’ Thairo Estrada runs home to score against the Dodgers during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Sean Hjelle throws to the plate against the Dodgers in the seventh inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after striking out against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers relief pitcher Eduardo Salazar throws to the plate against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers throws to the plate against the Dodgers in the eighth inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, right, is congratulated by teammate Teoscar Hernández after scoring against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  The San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos hits an RBI single in front of Dodgers catcher Will Smith during the eighth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval throws to the plate against the Dodgers in the ninth inning at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, is congratulated by first base coach Clayton McCullough after hitting a single against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval celebrates after the Giants defeated the Dodgers in a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval reacts after the Giants beat the Dodgers at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  San Francisco Giants catcher Curt Casali, left, celebrates with relief pitcher Camilo Doval, middle, and center fielder Luis Matos after the Giants defeated the Dodgers in a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  The San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt (10) celebrates with Thairo Estrada, Heliot Ramos and Luis Matos, from second from left, after the Giants defeated the Dodgers in a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stands in the dugout before a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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  Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto stands in the dugout before their game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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  Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani sits in the dugout before a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

SAN FRANCISCO — They chant it nightly, regardless of the score – “Beat L-A!” They finally did it for the first time in awhile.

Giants ace Logan Webb held the Dodgers scoreless for six innings and prevented a sweep by the SoCal visitors with a 4-1 victory for the San Francisco Giants.

The win was the Giants’ first in six meetings with the Dodgers this season.

Playing with house money after winning the first two games, the Dodgers tried to steal some more without spending any of their pitching capital. They called down the road to Sacramento, where their Triple-A team was playing, and promoted right-handers Elieser Hernandez and Eduardo Salazar.

The two combined to keep alive the Dodgers’ streak of allowing four runs or fewer – but just barely. It has been 22 consecutive games now.

“You want to win every game you play. It’s not about sweeping. When you lose, you lose,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said.

“They (Hernandez and Salazar) gave us a great job. We just didn’t get the hit tonight.”

Making his first major-league start since 2022 with the Miami Marlins, Elieser Hernandez was everything the Dodgers could have hoped. He held the Giants to three runs in six innings, two on a front-row home run by Mike Yastrzemski, just over the high wall in right field.

“He pitched really well, got us six strong innings,” Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. “He gave up the one homer to Yastrzemski, but that’s probably a pop fly in most places. It just happened to get out tonight.”

Hernandez got the word Tuesday night that he would be making the drive to San Francisco. The 90 miles covered a lot of distance for Hernandez, whose career was sidetracked by shoulder injuries last year.

“It was really exciting,” he said in Spanish. “I had a lot of injuries last season, but the important thing is that I’m healthy now and enjoying the opportunity they’re giving me.”

Asked why he had chosen to sign with the Dodgers and try to rebuild his career, Hernandez smiled.

“Who doesn’t want to be here?” the 29-year-old said.

“Trust me, I’ve learned so many things about myself that I didn’t even know about. So that’s been great.”

Roberts said Hernandez will stay with the Dodgers and pitch out of the bullpen after getting a few days off, giving the Dodgers a reliever with some length.

“I thought he came out and he was executing pitches, was locating his heaters, his little slider was working really well, keeping them off balance,” Smith said.

The Dodgers had their chances against Webb.

A leadoff single by Mookie Betts, a walk and a hit batter loaded the bases with one out in the first inning. But Webb struck out Max Muncy and got Teoscar Hernandez to fly out harmlessly to right field.

“He never gives in,” Smith said of Webb. “It’s really good stuff. He’s obviously a good pitcher. He was bearing down in the first inning, was able to escape with a zero. You just tip your cap and try to get him the next inning. I thought we stuck to our plan. We made him pitch, made it really hard on him and we just didn’t cash in some runs. That happens sometimes.”

The Dodgers had their next best chance to score against Webb in the fourth inning when Teoscar Hernandez led off with a drive to the wall in straightaway center field. Giants center fielder Luis Matos crashed into the wall as he made a spectacular catch, robbing Hernandez of a home run.

They stranded two more in the fifth inning before Webb handed it off to the bullpen.

“He’s one of the better pitchers in the game. So when you have opportunities, you’ve got to cash them in,” Freeman said. “Once we didn’t cash that in (with the bases loaded in the first), he started finding the strike zone a little bit more. He lives at the bottom of the zone. We got him up. We had pitches to hit. We just didn’t get the hit.”

Roberts lamented the wasted opportunity in the first inning, in particular.

“We had maybe one opportunity,” he said. “We had him (in the first inning). But then at that point in time, I think we started hitting some ‘atom’ balls, and then he got some strikeouts when he needed.”

The Dodgers finally broke through against the Giants’ bullpen in the eighth but only for one run. Singles by Freeman and Will Smith put runners at the corners with no outs. Muncy drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. But Teoscar Hernandez struck out and Gavin Lux grounded out weakly.

Shohei Ohtani went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and a walk. But the two outs were strikeouts on called third strikes that left him walking away from the plate, shaking his head at umpire Hunter Wendelstedt’s decision-making.

“Those balls could have gone either way. So I’d rather him do that and stick to his approach,” Roberts said. “There’s gonna be some borderline calls that are gonna go against us. But Shohei, his at-bat quality has been fantastic, and he still threw out a couple hits tonight, took a walk.”

The Dodgers pivoted from an expected bullpen game on Wednesday night, instead promoting right-handers Elieser Hernandez and Eduardo Salazar from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

In the starting rotation for OKC, Hernandez was 4-1 with a 2.83 ERA in Triple-A. He started for the Dodgers Wednesday – his first major-league start since Oct. 5, 2022 with the Miami Marlins.

“Talking it through with our guys, having someone who can take down a substantial part of the game, given where we’re at as far as how many games we’re playing in a row,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Because we used Yarbs (Ryan Yarbrough) the last couple days (in San Diego) … (we don’t) have a true length guy. To run through five or six guys (in a bullpen game) didn’t make as much sense versus giving a guy some rein to take down the game.”

Yarbrough pitched on back-to-back days Saturday and Sunday in San Diego for the first time this season. He didn’t go multiple innings either time – an indication the Dodgers are considering using him in a shorter, situational-left-hander role to supplement Alex Vesia.

The Dodgers no longer view right-hander Michael Grove as a “bulk” option out of the bullpen either. With four high-leverage relievers on the injured list (Evan Phillips, Ryan Brasier, Brusdar Graterol and Joe Kelly), the Dodgers have had to adjust some roles in their bullpen.

“As far as taking down three or four, he’s not in that capacity,” Roberts said of Grove.

Wednesday’s spot start was necessitated by the Dodgers’ inclination to give right-hander Tyler Glasnow five days off before his next start on Thursday. Glasnow has not pitched on less than five days of rest yet this season.

The Dodgers have also prioritized extra rest for rookie right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto and there are indications he could be pushed back even further and get six days of rest before starting on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Yamamoto has made five starts on five days of rest, four on six days or more. When he has had six days or more, he has built a ‘no-throw’ day into his workout schedule between starts. He did not throw during Wednesday’s pre-game workout at Oracle Park.

If Yamamoto is pushed back for extra rest, the Dodgers would go with a bullpen game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds or call up another starter from Triple-A. Landon Knack would be eligible to return by then. He was 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts for the Dodgers earlier this season and pitched most recently on Sunday for OKC.

REHAB ROUNDUP

Phillips threw a bullpen session before Wednesday’s game. It was Phillips’ first time throwing off a mound since injuring his hamstring on May 3.

“It went really well,” Roberts said. “It’s a slower process for him but he got off the mound and he’s going to get off the mound in the next two, three days. He feels good. Getting better every day.”

Phillips is not expected to be ready to return immediately after he becomes eligible on Sunday.

Outfielder Jason Heyward continued his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, going 0 for 3 with a walk and playing seven innings in right field. Roberts said there would be a discussion after the game about how many more games – if any – Heyward needs to play before coming off the injured list. He has been out since March 30 with a lower back strain.

Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani has increased the length of his throwing sessions. Returning from a second Tommy John surgery last fall, Ohtani started his throwing program in late March with 50 throws every other day from a short distance.

He is still throwing only from about 50 feet but he made more than 70 throws during Wednesday’s session and is throwing harder at times. Ohtani is not expected to pitch until 2025 but he could be throwing to hitters in simulated game sessions before the end of this season.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

After a slow start with runners in scoring position, Teoscar Hernandez leads the Dodgers with 36 RBIs, third in the majors. The top half of the Dodgers’ lineup has fed him a steady diet of at-bats with runners on. Going into Wednesday’s game, Hernandez led the majors in at-bats with runners in scoring position (57) and was tied for the major-league lead with Freddie Freeman in at-bats with runners on base (87).

“I think that obviously the opportunities have to present themselves, but you still have to be able to drive in a run and Teoscar, his entire career, has driven in runs and values the Run Batted In,” Roberts said. “That’s how you win games. It’s a combo. We’ve got four guys, sometimes five in front of him that get on base but he’s still gotta do the work to drive in the runs.”

ALSO

In order to make room for Elieser Hernandez and Salazar on the roster, the Dodgers optioned Gus Varland to OKC and designated Nabil Crismatt for assignment.

UP NEXT

Reds (TBA) at Dodgers (RHP Tyler Glasnow, 6-1, 2.53 ERA), Thursday, 7:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM