Dodgers News: Dan Haren’s Scheduled Start Pushed Back
Rather than waiting for Monday when active rosters expand, the move required Carlos Frias to be optioned to Triple-A, though he is expected to return Tuesday. Manager Don Mattingly’s decision was also influenced by the fact that Sunday’s original starter — Roberto Hernandez — has pitched well against the Washington Nationals, which is who he faces Monday.
Sliding Ryu into the rotation paid off as the southpaw threw seven strong innings and the Dodgers avoided being swept in the three-game series. Following the win, Mattingly confirmed another change in the rotation was coming this week.
Dan Haren, scheduled to start the finale against the Nationals on Wednesday, will instead pitch Friday. Wednesday’s game is a 12:10 p.m. PT start, which Mattingly considers short rest for the veteran right-hander, via the OC Register’s Bill Plunkett:
With Dan, we looked at that as short rest,” Mattingly said of the early start. “We know we have games the 3rd and the 10th that are a little trouble so we’re going to give Dan the extra day.”
In his career, Haren is 5-2 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who he’ll face Friday, and 3-3 against the Nationals. This season, he’s 3-1 against the D-Backs and 0-1 against the Nationals.
Although Haren isn’t getting completely skipped over, this marks the second time the Dodgers have opted to go with another pitcher for his scheduled start. After losing four consecutive starts, the Dodgers skipped Haren’s scheduled start in late July.
Haren lost his next start, but has since gone 3-1 in five starts. Another issue at hand is Haren’s $10 million option for 2015 that will vest if he reaches 180 innings pitched this season; he’s currently at 154 innings. The veteran pitcher said he isn’t sure if he would want to return next season, but the Dodgers nonetheless are well aware of the situation.
Mattingly didn’t confirm who would start in Haren’s place Wednesday, though Carlos Frias appears to be the most likely candidate. Frias has appeared in eight games for the Dodgers, all out of the bullpen. However, the rookie started 15 games for the Isotopes and five with Double-A Chattanooga this season.
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