Dodgers Position by Position Breakdown: The Farm System

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 05: General view of action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers during the spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 5, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 05: General view of action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers during the spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 5, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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STARTING PITCHERS 

Dodgers
(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Top Prospect:  Walker Buehler

Buehler, one of the top RH pitching prospects in the game, should be one of the most intriguing prospects to watch this year for the Dodgers.  He will have the opportunity at some point to slide into the rotation, whether due to an injury or as a spot sixth starter to provide extra rest for the rest of the rotation. The Dodgers are monitoring his workload as he is less than two years removed from Tommy John surgery.  It will be interesting to see how this affects his usage.  Consequently, I do not have him as a top reinforcement, because I think the organization will want to carefully manage his innings and provide some predictability as to when he pitches.  You can bet he will eventually play a key role in this year’s rotation.

Top Reinforcement:  Brock Stewart  

Stewart has ridden the OKC-LA shuttle the past two seasons and no longer has rookie status.  However, he still minor league options remaining and is a key asset for the Dodgers to have him at their disposal for another season.  Whether spot starting or coming out of the bullpen, Stewart is suited for either role.  Stewart’s projects as #4/5 MLB starter.