Dodgers: Addressing the Starting Rotation Questions

Depth is one of the most important factors when building a successful franchise. We saw first-hand last season when the Dodgers used 15 different starting pitchers and broke the MLB record for most DL transactions in a season (28).

Pitching depth is never seen as a problem. In fact, it’s a situation that all managers would love to have. That’s the situation where manager Dave Roberts finds himself this season with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers currently have ten viable options at starting pitcher opening Spring Training. Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, and Brock Stewart.

While the top of the rotation is set with Kershaw, Hill, and Maeda leading the rotation. Urias expects to man the 4th spot in the rotation up until he reaches his innings limit. The 5th spot in the rotation is all but clear.

With four starters returning from serious injuries (Kazmir, back) (McCarthy, hip) (Ryu, shoulder/elbow) (Wood, elbow) – and two unproven arms. Roberts has a big decision to make. Fortunately for Roberts, us here at Dodgers Way are offering our thoughts!

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Assuming all pitchers are healthy, the best option might not be just one option. Considering the Dodgers have an excess of arms in the bullpen and rotation, I’m a believer in a six-man rotation.

Why six-man rotation? Well, if you factor in the wear and tear on all the arms in the rotation. Rest would be mutually beneficial for everyone in the rotation.

Rich Hill, 37, is coming off the most innings pitched (110.1) since 2007.

It has also been well documented that Urias only 20 years-old will be on an innings limit this season. There has been no official announcement on what that number is, but my guess would be in the ballpark of 180 innings. Considering Maeda ran out of gas in October and pitched better on more days rest. It’s not such a bad idea.

Most of the candidates for the 5th starter will be eased back to the rotation due to injury. It may be best to use an extra arm to get extra rest at least for the early part of the season.

While the Dodgers utilizing a six-man rotation is unlikely, per Alanna Rizzo. Utilizing a six-man rotation gives the opportunity to stretch out Urias, Maeda, and Hill’s innings. Also, gives the Dodgers their best chance of going into the postseason with a healthy rotation.

Now I’m not saying Kershaw should be included in the six-man rotation. Obviously, when you have the best pitcher in baseball you want to get the most starts out of him as possible.

Keeping Kershaw on his normal 5-day schedule is something I wouldn’t consider doing.

But adding another pitcher during the off days leaves more rest for the other, not as prominent arms.The question again goes back to- who?

I’d go with the veteran arms of Kazmir and McCarthy. You know what you are going to get with both pitchers. They are notorious for a having a career record floating around .500 and an era of 4.00.

While those numbers won’t turn any heads, that’s what the Dodgers need this season.

With a rotation that’s lefty heavy, having McCarthy and Maeda in the rotation to break up the lefty clusters adds more variance to the rotation. While neither has been able to stay healthy, a combination of 100 innings could ease the workload on everyone else.

Wood and Stewart provide a more youthful experiment. Wood got some work at the end of last season out of the bullpen. So I can see Roberts utilizing him in that role until further called upon. Stewart found himself in a similar place as Jose De Leon. Unfortunately, he’ll continue to be the odd man out.

Ryu would be my wild card. Ryu is looking to get back his form from his first two seasons with the Dodgers. In his first two seasons with the Dodgers, he pitched a total of 56 starts (344 innings). Since 20414, he’s pitched a mere 32.1 innings.

Reports have been he’s been working hard to be in the starting rotation. An LA Times article by Andy McCullough quoted Ryu in saying:

“As a pitcher, I want to be in the starting rotation from day one. [And] that’s what I’m planning to do. From the looks of it, I have a lot of confidence that I can make it.”

We asked you, Dodgers fans and you appear to have the same confidence in Ryu.

We all remember Ryu’s emergence during his first season with the Dodgers. If Ryu could revert to his old ways, the Dodgers become serious World Series contenders. I think this is possible, but just think it’s an option that should be explored as Ryu figures his issues out in the minors.

Next: What Did Dodgers Get With Forsythe and Romo?

Let us know what you think about the six-man rotation. About having Kazmir and McCarthy split the 5th starter role. You can tweet us at @DodgersWayFS!