Dodgers: 3 options to replace David Price’s spot in the rotation

Dodgers who could replace David Price in the rotation: Ross Stripling

The most obvious candidate to take Price’s spot in the rotation is podcaster slash financial planner slash reliever slash starter Ross Stripling. Yeah, maybe I should change the order of his titles, but we will let this season help decide that.

The 30-year-old thought he would be joining another starting rotation this offseason when he was almost traded to the Los Angeles Angels. The deal ultimately fell through after the Mookie Betts trade was re-negotiated, which was a bittersweet moment for Stripling, who was excited for the opportunity to be a full-time starter, while also committed to returning to the Dodgers in the team’s quest for a championship.

Stripling started 15 games for manager Dave Roberts last season, and pitched fairly well. He went 2-3 with a 3.60 ERA, striking out 71 batters and walking only 14. He also made 17 appearances as a reliever and pitched to a 3.05 ERA.

Of course, the right-hander’s best campaign came in 2018 when he earned an All-Star appearance after starting the season 8-2 with a 2.08 ERA. Unfortunately, he struggled the second half of the schedule and never won another game that year.

With Stripling, the Dodgers would be replacing Price with a veteran option who can quickly adapt to the challenging season ahead. It seems overdue for Strip to get another chance in the rotation.