PHOENIX -- Dodgers management is entering its second year believing that Brandon Beachy has a place in the starting rotation, and he moved closer to that Saturday night.

Beachy threw three scoreless innings in a start against the Cubs (won by the Dodgers, 6-5), reinforcing the belief that he's the preferred choice to move into the starting spot opened by last week's unexpected back surgery for Brett Anderson.

"He threw well," said manager Dave Roberts. "Every time he goes out there, from the bullpen to each game, he continues to get better. His pitches were sharper today. Just another positive outing."

Beachy had to work around a pair of doubles, he bounced some breaking balls and he wasn't thrilled with fastball command in the first inning. That said, he insists the right elbow that underwent two Tommy John surgeries is healthy, and he trusts it will stay that way.

"I'm on track," he said. "I got better today from the first start five days ago, and I figure to be better five days from now. I wasn't very efficient, but I am missing barrels."

Since 2012, Beachy has made only seven regular-season starts in the Major Leagues, two of them for the Dodgers last year.

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com.