Dodgers 2014 Player Reviews: Paul Maholm
Maholm appeared to gain somewhat of an upper hand early as Becket dealt with minor injuries in Spring Training and the southpaw was named to the travel roster for Australia. He appeared in the second game of the season but threw only 0.1 of an inning, retiring the lone batter he faced.
With Clayton Kershaw landing on the disabled after his first start of the season, Maholm was needed in the starting rotation and four of his six appearances in April were as a starter. He continued to start into May, but his struggles led to a relief role.
Maholm made just one start after May 14 and had his season cut short by an ACL injury on Aug 1. The left-hander finished his first season as a Dodger with a disappointing 1-5 record and 4.84 ERA.
2014 Highlight
After spending the majority of the season as a reliever, the Dodgers were in need of a spot-starter July 12 against the San Diego Padres and they turned to Maholm. Coming off a rough relief appearance four days prior, Maholm answered the bell against the Dodgers’ divisional opponent.
Maholm retired 10 straight before his no-hitter was broken up by a Chase Headley single. Unfazed, Maholm retired the next two batters he faced to end the fourth and sat the Padres down in order in the fifth and sixth innings.
Headley’s leadoff single in the seventh knocked Maholm out of the game and he finished with a no-decision in the Dodgers’ 1-0 win.
2015 Outlook
Maholm is once again a free agent and if his career path is any suggestion of what lies ahead, he’ll look to sign with a National League team. However, landing a new contract will likely prove more difficult than it has in year’s past considering the ACL surgery he’s coming off.
Assuming Maholm’s recovery takes up to one year, it would leave him with little time to make an impact in the Majors next season.
