Dodgers News: Brandon McCarthy and Alex Wood Leading the Battle for Last 2 Spots in the Rotation
With so many questions as to who will fill out the Dodger rotation for the start of the season, two have emerged as frontrunners, with an unlikely wildcard following behind.
Before the Dodgers reported to Arizona in late February, the general consensus was that the Dodgers rotation would be led by Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda. Following them would be Julio Urias and Scott Kazmir.
As any spring training goes, things have changed.
A rumor has been going around that the Dodgers will start the season with Julio Urias in extended spring training to conserve the amount of pitches he puts on his arm, leaving him available to go deep into the season, as well as the postseason.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post brought attention to that earlier this morning:
Right now #Dodgers leaning toward Urias in minors in April to conserve IPs so available all yr, plus playoffs
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 12, 2017
Joel Sherman also brought attention to who is stepping in as new favorites to take the spots at the back end of the rotation.
If Urias opens in minors #Dodgers see McCarthy/Wood as current faves to be 4-5 behind Kershaw, HIl, Maeda
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 12, 2017
Many had pegged Wood to start the season as the long man in the bullpen because of the amount of depth in front of him. McCarthy had not been considered as much as he probably deserves because he is such an injury concern. After a couple of promising appearances, including three shutout innings against the Rangers, he looks to be a favorite for a rotation spot.
Wood and McCarthy leading the race for the last two rotation spots means that Scott Kazmir is officially facing an uphill battle.
[graphiq id=”1XfbY73ceix” title=”Scott Kazmir Career ERA, WHIP and K/BB” width=”600″ height=”586″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/1XfbY73ceix” ]Joel Sherman also briefly mentioned Hyun-Jin Ryu as a wildcard to take a spot in the rotation, though it is unclear if his body will be ready before Opening Day.
#Dodgers see Ryu as wild card for rotation. Like what they've seen, but got excited few times last yr only to be letdown, so being cautious
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 12, 2017
According to Dodger Insider, Dave Roberts is not ready to commit to any new names in the starting rotation.
Urias Might Start Season in MinorsRoberts said when they get closer to breaking camp, they'll have better idea of 5 guys in rotation. Not ready to make decision right now.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) March 12, 2017
