Dodgers: Three Lessons Learned From the World Series Rematch

BOSTON, MA - JULY 14: A.J. Pollock #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a three run home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 14, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 14: A.J. Pollock #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a three run home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 14, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 05: Relief pitcher Ross Stripling #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a warm-up pitch during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 05, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona.The Diamondbacks defeated the Dodgers 3-2 in 11 innings. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Ross Stripling pitches well in an audition for a postseason rotation spot

Rich Hill’s injury has opened the flood gates on possibilities for the postseason roster.  One of them involves the fourth and final spot in the Dodgers’ 2019 postseason rotation.  While Julio Urias could move into the rotation later this season, depending on how the trade deadline goes, he may be needed more in the bullpen.

This is where Ross Stripling factors in.  Chicken Strip has never been a great relief option but when he has been able to stick in the rotation for an extended time, he excels.  Last season he had a great first half and made his first All-Star game appearance.  If Hill is not able to make it back or he returns and gets injured again, then Stripling is a great option for the final playoff rotation spot.

On Saturday, Stripling made a start against the Red Sox and pitched five innings allowing just one run and no walks.  Ross had his curveball working and struck out seven batters.  It may be best to keep Urias in the bullpen and let Stripling be a potential replacement for Hill in the postseason rotation.