Dodgers: Rotation Options when DL Reinforcements Return

Option 3: Kershaw-Stripling-Buehler-Maeda-Hill-Wood…. Ryu to the bullpen

A six-man rotation could be very beneficial to this group. All 6 of these guys are reliable and have shown just how good the can be. So why not use as many of these arms as you can?

Especially during the dog days of the season in July and August, a six-man rotation can help guys stay fresh. Even if it is not a straight 6 man rotation. Meaning they only use the 6^th man when necessary.

So whomever it is whether it is Buehler, Maeda, Hill, Stripling or Wood; one of them would be used in sort of a hybrid role. Making starts when Roberts sees fit but also working out of the bullpen as a long relief pitcher.

Having six starters is beneficial for the Dodgers staff as a whole. Giving players more rest after returning from injuries is big. They would also be keeping an eye on Buehler’s innings limit and will always be able to have a player skip a start even if they are dealing with a minor ailment and it would not mess up the rotation.

There are, however some negatives, for instance, a pitcher like Kershaw who is a creature of habit might be thrown off a bit at first by not starting every fifth game. Also, the layoff for a pitcher after a bad start could be deadly for their psyche. And vice versa, the layoff could cool down a pitcher who is pitching very well. This strategy could cause more inconsistencies but it could also work very well with this group.