Dodgers May Use Six-Man Rotation When Buehler Returns
Walker Buehler threw a bullpen session on Tuesday as he steps closer to his return from his rib microfracture. The Dodgers placed Buehler on the disabled list on June 12 after his start against the Braves. With Buehler progressing, Dave Roberts announced that the Dodgers may use a six-man rotation upon the rookie’s return.
Walker Buehler getting in some bullpen work today ? #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/Rs0jdnKLNo
— AM 570 LA Sports (@AM570LASports) June 26, 2018
Dave Roberts said the Dodgers could roll a six-man rotation, temporarily, once Walker Buehler returns from the DL.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) June 26, 2018
This would not be Roberts’ first time using six starting pitchers in the rotation. Last September, the Los Angeles used a six-man crew following the acquisition of Yu Darvish and the return of Clayton Kershaw from a back strain.
Assuming they use a six-man rotation again, Buehler would join Kershaw, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda, Alex Wood and Ross Stripling in the rotation.
Analysis
The Dodgers are only a few weeks removed from having only two sustainable arms in the rotation. When Buehler landed on the disabled list, the only healthy starting pitchers were Alex Wood and Ross Stripling. Having six starters will allow the rest of the rotation to ease back from their injuries. A fresh rotation will help the team greatly as they inch closer to first place in the NL West.
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That makes so much sense. Maybe if the roster expands to 35 players so Roberts can add more duds to the bullpen. The bullpen is over used as it is and Don Mattingly Roberts with a different starting eight virtually every night is beginning to look more and more like a deer in the headlights. Sandy Koufax with a bad arm had 30+ complete games a year and I doubt this Dodger team even has one.