Dodgers: With Kershaw in Limbo, LA Doesn’t Need to Add a Starter

The Dodgers are going to watch Clayton Kershaw closely as he is scheduled to resume throwing today.  Even if Kershaw does end up missing time, LA does not need to add another starter.

The Dodgers are currently in wait and see mode with their ace Clayton Kershaw who hopes to take a step forward today.  Clayton is scheduled to resume throwing today by playing catch as he progresses toward returning to his normal spring training schedule.  Despite his setback, there is still plenty of time left and Dave Roberts expressed that he still expects Kershaw to start on opening day.

While Kershaw being healthy and pitching on opening day would be the best case scenario for the Dodgers, they need to play it smart and if he is not ready for the season then so be it.  The club has a stockpile of above average starting pitchers and even if Clayton misses significant time, there is no need to panic and go add another starting pitcher.

The best starting pitcher on the free agent market is Dallas Keuchel and while he is a very solid pitcher his 3.74 ERA from last season would rank him near the bottom of the Dodgers’ rotation beating out only Kenta Maeda and his 3.81 ERA in 2018.  Even then, Keuchel’s 3.69 FIP is higher than Kenta’s 3.22 FIP of a season ago.  Rich Hill, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Walker Buehler, and Ross Stripling all posted ERA’s under four last year.

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On the trade front the best starter available is Corey Kluber although it’s unclear if the Indians would still be willing to trade him.  Kluber would cost top prospects and cut into the Dodgers’ depth if they ask for Alex Verdugo or another outfielder.  Given how deep the Dodgers’ starting pitching depth chart is, they are better off waiting until the deadline before making any kind of trade.

Kuechel and Kluber are just two starting pitchers on the trade and free agent market but they are arguably the best available for each acquisition route.  It’s way too soon to count out Clayton Kershaw so the Dodgers will just need to wait and see how he does the rest of the spring.  If Kershaw does miss time the rotation is still solid with Walker Buehler, Rich Hill, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Kenta Maeda, and Ross Stripling.

That solid rotation doesn’t even take into account Julio Urias, Caleb Ferguson, Dennis Santana, or any of the other talented pitching prospects.  The Dodgers sit in an envious position with all of the starting pitching talent they have piled up.  Regardless of how long Clayton Kershaw stays shelved, they do not need to go out and add another starting pitcher.