Anderson throws 3 shutout innings as Dodgers beat Indians

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Brett Anderson threw three scoreless innings and Scott Van Slyke homered, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Cleveland Indians 7-2 Saturday.

Anderson, projected to pitch in the back of the Dodgers' rotation, has tossed five scoreless innings in two spring starts. He has allowed three hits, two to the Indians and one to the Giants in his first start on March 9.

Despite a long history of injuries, the Dodgers signed the left-hander to a one-year deal for $10 million on Dec. 31.

''I feel good,'' said Anderson, who underwent back surgery last August after going 1-3 in eight starts for Colorado. ''I'm building my body, working on all of my pitches. No issues so far, knock on wood.''

Van Slyke hit his first homer this spring, launching a pitch in the second from Cleveland starter Bruce Chen over left field wall and onto the tarp covering the Dodger bullpen.

''I want to go out there and compete,'' said Chen, competing for a spot in the rotation. ''So far, I'm happy with the way I've felt.''

''But I want to put up better numbers. Obviously, I know that there's a competition. I just want to do well so they can take me into consideration,'' he said.

Jimmy Rollins singled and scored in the Los Angeles third. Rollins hit an RBI double in the fourth.

Dodgers minor leaguer Matt Carson hit a grand slam in the eighth.

The Dodgers added a run in the third when Jimmy Rollins singled and scored from third on a Howie Kendrick grounder.

STARTING TIME

Dodgers: Three pitchers were sent to the minor league, including 18-year-old prospect Julio Urias. Urias created an early buzz in camp and made two appearances, working two innings for a 4.50 ERA.

''He was good,'' Manager Don Mattingly said. ''We knew Julio wouldn't be with us this year. For him, this experience was just about being here.''

Chris Anderson and Josh Ravin also went to the minor leagues.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Indians: Chen got the start because right-hander Carlos Carrasco was scratched because of the flu. ... Zach Walters could be sidelined for the rest of spring training because of a strained abdominal muscle discovered in an MRI Saturday. Walters, acquired last July in a trade with the Nationals, was trying for a spot on the opening day roster as a utility player.

Dodgers: Yasiel Puig was a late scratch. When he arrived at camp Saturday morning, he complained of a stomach ailment. ''We sent him home,'' Mattingly said. ... Pitcher Brandon League is sidelined with soreness in his right shoulder. He began to feel pain Wednesday. He skipped a scheduled appearance Friday night against the Reds. Mattingly said he could start throwing Sunday.

UP NEXT

Indians: Trevor Bauer gets his third spring start Sunday against the Padres. He has worked seven innings, giving up 10 hits, including three home runs, all in one inning against the Cubs on Tuesday.

Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw starts for the third time Sunday against the Mariners. He is expected to go four innings. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MVP has worked five inning over two games, allowing one run on three hits, including a homer. He has five strikeouts.