Dodgers News: Carlos Frias Not Worried About Role

Heading into the 2014 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers figured to have a strong starting rotation led by Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. In what set the tone for the year, Kershaw was placed on the disabled list after just his first of the season and other pitchers followed suit.

As the Dodgers searched for options to not only fill in for their starting pitchers, but also bolster the bullpen, Carlos Frias was among those given an opportunity. Frias made his Major League debut Aug. 4 out of the bullpen against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and threw two scoreless innings.

The young right-hander went on to appear in 15 games for the Dodgers, including two starts. While Frias has primarily served as a starter during his time in the Minors, he isn’t concerned with his role, via Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:

I don’t put that in my mind that I’m going to be a starter or reliever. I think, ‘Just be ready to pitch.’”

Although Frias isn’t concerned with starting or pitching as a reliever, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen believes the 25 year old can pan out as a more than capable starter:

He can be really good. I still think he can be a really good starter. He has plus stuff.”

Despite gaining little experience in his first stint in the Majors, Frias made the Dodgers’ NLDS roster. His selection can certainly be tied to the Dodgers not having many options, but he also showed some promise over his 15 appearances.

Although the Dodgers have added depth to their starting rotation in the forms of Mike Bolsinger, Juan Nicasio and Joe Wieland, and worked on the bullpen, see Chris Hatcher and Joel Peralta, Frias could still serve a key role for the team in 2015 no matter if it’s as a spot starter or reliever.