Dodgers: MLB Rule Change Could Have Terrible Consequences For LA
For the most part, MLB has done a decent job at making sure teams came out of the lockout healthy. The league understood that they would need to make roster changes to prevent injuries, and they did that from the start of Opening Day. That included taking away the pitcher limit for rosters, something the Dodgers took advantage of.
But that limit is officially going away this week, and the Dodgers will need to make adjustments. While teams are allowed to have 14 pitchers on their roster right now, the league is issuing a mandate that they must return to 13 as of Monday. That comes from a rule that was supposed to go into effect in 2020.
As of this moment, the Dodgers have 14 pitchers on their active roster. That means that one bullpen arm is likely going to get the chop. This rule could really put Dave Roberts in a tough spot, and we all know how much they like to try to keep arms fresh.
MLB sent memo to GMs, asst. GMs and managers yesterday saying that as of Monday, the limitation on the number of pitchers on an active roster will be 13. Rule originally intended to begin in ‘20 finally will take effect. Earlier this season, MLB twice extended 14-pitcher limit.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 17, 2022
With Walker Buehler already out, the Dodgers have to continue to steal length from the bullpen. That includes utilizing Tyler Anderson as a starter and plugging in Mitch White when he is needed. But the options limitation combined with the 13 pitcher limit could prove to be a bit of a hassle.
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But if we know anything, it’s that the Dodgers are masters of roster manipulation(in a good way). Keeping arms fresh and healthy will always be very important to them, and they have the depth to get it down. It’s all a matter of figuring out how to make it work with the new rule.
