Dodgers: Projecting the Possible Playoff Starting Rotation

Brandon McCarthy

Like Alex Wood, Brandon McCarthy’s roster spot was also in question to begin spring training. But not because of production or lack of a role, but rather health. McCarthy signed a four-year contract with the Dodgers back during winter meetings of the 2014 offseason.

Up until this season, McCarthy had started only 13 games for the Dodgers in his first two seasons with the boys in blue. McCarthy combined for a 5-3 record with a 5.41 ERA. He wasn’t productive and was shaping out to be a bust.

Well, fast forward to 2017 and McCarthy looks like he has reinvented himself. McCarthy is off to a solid 5-3 record with a 3.28 ERA in just under 58 innings pitched this season with the Dodgers. McCarthy has spent some time on the DL this season, but aside from that short stint with discomfort in his non-throwing shoulder, he has looked healthy thus far.

McCarthy adds a good veteran presence to a young Dodger rotation. In his 12 MLB season, McCarthy has started over 176 games and has seen both sides of the spectrum from throwing shutouts to getting hit around. Although McCarthy does not have any postseason experience, the fact that he’s right-handed helps break up the rotation and gives opposing teams a different arm slot to look at.

Should McCarthy be able to stay healthy, he will slot in nicely as the Dodgers 3rd starter in a packed rotation.