Dodgers News: Brandon McCarthy’s Time Arrives Friday
Scott Kazmir is back on the mound for L.A. Another recovering starter will return on Friday.
Brandon McCarthy starts in the road addition of the split-squad games. Dave Roberts and Rick Honeycutt will be in attendance.
Dave Roberts will go on the road to watch Brandon McCarthy for tomorrow's split-squad day.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) March 2, 2017
It’s a big day for McCarthy. Since signing with the Dodgers prior to the 2015 season, McCarthy has made 13 starts. He was coming off a successful year with the New York Yankees in which he had a 2.89 ERA and made 14 starts.
[graphiq id=”fDO9gfMVaxD” title=”Brandon McCarthy Career ERA, WHIP and K/BB” width=”600″ height=”586″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/fDO9gfMVaxD” ]A rotation spot is there for the taking. Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda are Opening Day locks. But Julio Urias may not start in the MLB, and the No. 5 slot is vacant. Kazmir and McCarthy are the favorites if either can stay healthy and earn it.
For Los Angeles, the pitching depth allows for patience. The franchise’s rich financial power also prevents it from forcing an inferior pitcher into playing time (relevant given McCarthy’s and Kazmir’s salary).
The past week has been the start of the journey for every Dodger. McCarthy’s next chapter begins Friday.
The Dodgers’ starting pitching will be arguably its greatest strength
