Dodgers: Five Disappointing Dodgers of the First Half

Kenta Maeda – 7-4 4.38 ERA

After winning 16 games as a rookie, the Dodgers figured Kenta Maeda would be a staple in their rotation for years to come.  Maeda hasn’t quite had the same success so far in his sophomore season, as he has thrown exactly one quality start a month in the first half.

Maeda also was bounced back and forth from the rotation to the bullpen and missed some time with a hamstring injury, although there were some doubts about the validity of that injury.

At 4.38, Maeda’s ERA is currently almost a full run higher than his rookie season’s 3.48 ERA. Not only has Maeda failed to pitch deep into games, but he has also given up 11 home runs in 14 starts. Most of Maeda’s struggles have been due to his control, as he is leaving more offspeed pitches up in the zone and hitters are making him pay for his mistakes.

Despite having a good record at 7-4, that has been largely due to high run support as the Dodgers average six runs a game in games started by Maeda. To Maeda’s credit, he has been among the healthiest Dodger starters and has answered the call more times than not.

Hopefully, the All-Star Break provides Kenta with a chance to reset and come out strong in the second half of the season. If Maeda gets going, then the Dodgers will have five strong starting pitchers.