Dodgers News: Brandon McCarthy’s Resurgence Is Underway

Brandon McCarthy exceeded expectations in his return to the mound Thursday.

McCarthy, who’s appeared in just 14 games in the last two seasons, earned a rotation spot in March. He validated it with his first start of the season. McCarthy went six innings, with his lone mistake a Wil Myers 2-run homer in his final frame. The veteran looked poised, collected and confident.

That was some old school baseball #ynwa always proud @BMcCarthy32

— Amanda McCarthy (@Mrs_McCarthy32) April 6, 2017

Two different stories on the mound today: Brandon McCarthy's resurgence (5 IP, 2 H, 0 R) and Jared Weaver disintegrating before our eyes.

— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) April 6, 2017

McCarthy had 38 pitches through four innings. The Padres forced 40 pitches across the next two, with Myers’ blow coming at the tale end.

The cherry on top was McCarthy’s base hit in the bottom of the 4th.

Even Brandon McCarthy is joining the club against Jered "Actual Human BP Machine" Weaver.

— BOK (@Knudervalve) April 6, 2017

McCarthy went father in his start than Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill the days before. L.A. will need its starters to pitch deeper to avoid burning out the bullpen, and a healthy McCarthy is a difference maker in that regard.

One start is one start, but promising for McCarthy. If Thursday was a preview of what’s to come, the Dodgers have to be excited for McCarthy’s prospects.