Dodgers News: Mat Latos Set To Start Series Finale Vs Angels

Finding consistency from the back end of the rotation has been a struggle for the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout the year. The club has called up many players from the minors and also made a trade in July in hopes of solidifying their rotation. The two starters they received in the trade were Alex Wood and Mat Latos, with the latter struggling to find his rhythm in Los Angeles.

In five starts with the Dodgers, Latos has pitched just 23.1 innings with a 6.56 ERA, 3.66 FIP, and 1.54 WHIP. But with his most productive start coming against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, it appears as if Latos will get another shot at staying in the rotation, according to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:

Mat Latos will start Wed for #Dodgers. Mattingly: "He pitched pretty good against them (#Angels) in his 1st outing (with LAD)"

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 7, 2015

On August 2, Latos made his Dodgers debut against the crosstown rival. The 27-year-old pitched six strong innings allowing just one earned run on four hits. It appeared as if the front office had made a great trade and would have their fifth starter void filled. However, since his first start with the team, Latos has struggled mightily.

Excluding the start against the Angels, Latos has failed to toss five innings in any of his four starts, despite his pitch counts being less than 90 in each of those games. He is 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA in the four starts.

Last week Latos made headlines by his comments after another disappointing start in San Diego in which he pitched just four innings. The right-hander said it was tough to find his rhythm when he was on a “quick leash,” referring to Mattingly pulling him early in the game. Since then the two have met and cleared the air regarding the pitchers comments.

Wednesday night’s start figures to be Latos’ final attempt to impress Mattingly for the last spot in the rotation. Mike Bolsinger also pitched in San Diego and figures to take over the fifth spot should Latos struggle again. Bolsinger has pitched consistently well all year long, sporting a 2.97 ERA, 3.13 FIP, and 1.21 WHIP.