Editorials

Dodgers 2013 End-Of-Season Evaluation: Chris Capuano

Chris Capuano was a surprise hit in the 2012 season as he went 12-12 with a 3.72 ERA and was one of the few consistent pitchers for the Dodgers in a lost season. The Dodgers expected him to do more of the same this season and after having eight pitchers in Spring Training, Capuano secured the fifth starter spot.

Regular Season Grade: C



Things weren’t the same for Capuano during the 2013 season as he struggled throughout the year with several injuries. The injuries combined with his poor performance meant Capuano was used more out of the bullpen this season.

In 24 games and 20 starts, Capuano was 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA, a far reach from his 2012 season, but had a weird streak of giving up zero or five runs in nine straight starts. He hit the disabled list in April with a strained calf muscle suffered in a benches-clearing incident with the Padres and in June he suffered a strained lat muscle and was limited in September with a strained groin.

Playoff Grade: A

Despite his injury riddled season, Capuano was asked to be on the NLDS roster for the NLDS versus the left-handed heavy Atlanta Braves.

In Game 3 of the series, tied 1-1, starter Hyun-Jin Ryu wasn’t able to get past the third inning and Capuano came on in relief in the top of the fourth inning. He came in and delivered as he pitched three great innings of no-hit ball with three strikeouts as the Dodgers exploded for 13 runs and the 2-1 series lead. Capuano earned the win in his lone appearance of the playoffs.

Despite his great relief appearance, Capuano was left off the NLCS roster against the right-handed heavy St. Louis Cardinals lineup as the Dodgers opted to go with Edinson Volquez and Carlos Marmol.

Overall Grade: B

Capuano was given the fifth spot in the rotation coming into the season and injuries moved him back and forth from the rotation and the bullpen. He was unable to replicate his strong 2012 season, but in the end he came through when the Dodgers needed him the most in October.

The Dodgers decided to decline the $8 million mutual option on Capuano, but he’ll still receive a $1 million buyout. It’s unlikely he’ll be back with the team, but he’ll likely get the chance to compete for a starting spot in Spring Training with another team.

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In case you missed it-Dodgers Decline Mark Ellis And Chris Capuano Options

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

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