Dodgers takeaways: After sweeping Reds, big test awaits against Braves

Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urías throws against the Reds on Saturday.

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

The Dodgers’ biggest concern entering the season has turned into their biggest strength.

So far, the starting rotation has been very good for the Dodgers (7-2).

While they haven’t faced the most potent lineups, the team’s starters still rank in the top five in the majors in ERA (1.71), WHIP (1.02) and batting average against (.181). Only once has one of them given up more than two earned runs in an outing. And the back end of the group, which once seemed like a weak point, has been steady the first two times through.

“Across the board,” Roberts said, “[it’s been] a plus.”

Andrew Heaney provided the latest piece of encouragement Sunday, striking out 11 over six scoreless innings. After having a career-worst 5.83 ERA last season, he has started this year without giving up an earned run in 10 1/3 innings.

“This guy’s got a lot of upside and a lot of talent,” Roberts said. “With the pitching staff and with Andrew together, collectively it’s been fun to watch, really quickly.”

Full statistics from the first (almost) two times through the rotation:

Walker Buehler — 10 2/3 innings, four earned runs, nine strikeouts, five walks.

Tony Gonsolin (who has also effectively piggybacked with Tyler Anderson) — Seven innings, one earned run, five strikeouts, four walks.

Julio Urías — Seven innings, three earned runs, five strikeouts, three walks.

Heaney — 10 1/3 innings, 0 earned runs, 16 strikeouts, three walks.

Clayton Kershaw (in only one start) — Seven innings, 0 earned runs, 13 strikeouts, 0 walks.