Dodgers: Four Players Who Stepped Up in Month of May

Alex Wood

No one can ask for a better month than what Alex Wood’s done. In four of his five starts in May he hasn’t allowed a run, currently giving him a 25 1/3 inning scoreless streak. He’s thrown 28.1 innings this month and has a 1.27 ERA in them. He’s also amassed 41 strikeouts and collected wins in all of his starts.

Wood showed signs of improvement in Spring Training but was snubbed from the starting rotation when Opening Day came around. He had a few emergency starts in April which weren’t too impressive. But, since a combination of injuries from Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda, and Hyun-Jin Ryu left the Dodgers short on arms, he’s made the most of his opportunity.

Wood’s contributions in May have lowered the team’s ERA to the lowest in the majors. He and Clayton Kershaw have formed a stable duo at the top of the rotation, with Brandon McCarthy looking sharp as well. Wood’s success can be attributed to his ability to keep the ball down and a dramatic increase in his overall velocity. Wood’s success has also come with a consistent spot in the rotation, and if he keeps pitching like he is he won’t leave.

The southpaw’s ability to go deep into games hasn’t been proven yet, with his high in innings being seven-and-a-third, but it may not be needed. With potential long men like Ryu, Stripling, and perhaps Urias or Hill, getting five or six solid innings from Wood would be plenty enough.

The one damper on his month is being put on the DL.