Dodgers: Three options for a six-man rotation

A compressed 2020 schedule will likely require a six, or seven-man rotation for the Dodgers. Let’s look at some candidates.

If baseball returns in 2020, it is going to look a lot different than anything we have seen before. And no, I’m not talking about the marvelous image of Mookie Betts wearing Dodger Blue—although, I am hoping beyond hope we get to see that, too.

With reports circulating about a plan that would start the upcoming season in late June or early July, perhaps in local ballparks, with 100-games slated on the schedule, it is obvious that teams will be forced to play a lot of games in a small amount of time.

Without the aid of neutral sites, where weather doesn’t become a disqualifying playing factor by late October, MLB would need to cram 100 games into 90+ days.

How would they do that? By reducing off days and scheduling doubleheaders.

The combination of a compressed schedule and an awkward start to the season for starting pitchers, who have been forced to start and stop their routines in preparing for the season, will likely lead to the Dodgers utilizing a six, or even seven-man rotation.

Dodger pitching coach Mark Prior hinted as such to The Athletic earlier this week.

Assuming manager Dave Roberts was planning to run a five-man rotation that includes Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, David Price, Julio Urias, and Alex Wood, who are the best options for added rotation support?

Let’s take a look.