Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir Work Their Way Back to Form

The Dodgers’ pitching depth is a sight to behold. It’s perhaps the MLB’s best, with seemingly just one open spot for several competitors.

Among those competitors are two veterans, Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir. Both are working their way back from injuries and disappointing performances.



McCarthy joined the Dodgers in 2015, but he’s made just 13 starts in the uniform. He pitched in 10 games last year to a 4.95 ERA in 40 innings. He was masterful with the Yankees the season before signing with L.A., with a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts.

Health has been a recurring theme of McCarthy’s career. He’s exceeded 135 innings just twice since 2005.

[graphiq id=”6eUwJsKIEGp” title=”Brandon McCarthy Career ERA, WHIP and K/BB” width=”600″ height=”586″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/6eUwJsKIEGp” ]

Kazmir is in a similar spot. He had a career renaissance in Oakland, was shipped to his native Houston at the deadline, then signed with the Dodgers last offseason. I wrote about Kazmir’s situation last month.

While Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, Brock Stewart and the like will also compete for the No. 5 slot in the rotation, the two veterans make sense for a number of reasons. Aside from the always stressed “leadership” aspect, L.A. shopped both in the offseason. The best way to rebuild value is by letting them pitch. There is also the chance one or both could finally be moved before Opening Day.

Either way, after the injuries the Dodgers suffered in 2016, accumulating such rich depth is paramount. McCarthy and Kazmir will likely get another chance soon, be it in Los Angeles or elsewhere.

Who will be the Dodgers lead-off man?

Gabe Burns

Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.

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