Julio Urias to make second start for Dodgers on Thursday

The first act of Julio Urias’ career represented a significant challenge: He debuted at Citi Field on Friday against a talented, disciplined New York Mets team.

His second act presents a tougher task. Urias will make his second start, against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

“We’re checking some boxes early for Julio,” Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. “Sometimes you want a softer landing for a young pitcher. But with his makeup, and obviously the stuff, I’m sure he can handle it.”

The Dodgers decided upon flinging Urias, the 19-year-old prospect, into the fire after Alex Wood felt soreness in his throwing elbow and Kenta Maeda experienced swelling in his pitching hand.

Wood landed on the disabled list. Maeda received an extra day of rest, set to pitch Friday at Dodger Stadium.

And Urias takes the ball Thursday.

“It’s another opportunity for me to be up here,” Urias said through an interpreter. “I’m going to fight and do everything I can to be able to prove that I need to remain here, and to be able to stay here.”

Urias gave up three runs in 22/3 innings Friday. He looked tentative at times, unable to pitch away Mets hitters. The Cubs flaunt an even deeper, more formidable lineup.

The situation is not ideal, but the Dodgers felt Urias could handle the assignment and Maeda would benefit from extra rest. Maeda was still dealing with swelling after getting hit by a line drive Saturday. Maeda said he felt healthy enough to pitch on his regular day but said that “I think one day off will help me.”

Short hops

Reliever Casey Fien strung together his third scoreless outing in a row since joining the Dodgers over the weekend. He struck out the side in the eighth inning. ... Brandon McCarthy (elbow surgery) threw two simulated innings this week. He will progress to a three-inning session in his next outing, Roberts said.

Andy.mccullough@latimes.com

Twitter: @McCulloughTimes