Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke put any concerns about his elbow behind him Friday in a quality start win over the Pirates.
Greinke's velocity was not exactly at midseason form, but he tossed 6 1/3 strong innings to earn the win in a 3-0 game. He allowed just two hits and no walks in the game, while striking out six batters. Greinke was pulled in the seventh inning with one out, after allowing his second hit of the game. He finished with 92 pitches, 56 for strikes.
Greinke averaged 90.7 miles per hour in the start, well below the 92.4 miles per hour he averaged a year ago. That does not mean he is not at full strength, as he had a number of starts a year ago where he averaged below 91.5 miles per hour with his fastball, including one as low as 89.5 miles per hour in July.
Greinke is expected to make his next start Wednesday against the Padres in San Diego. Greinke has never pitched in Petco Park, but he did win his lone start against the Padres in 2011, with two earned runs in six innings.