Dodgers News: Roberts Names Fifth Starter
Alright, someone find Ross Stripling, wherever he is, and bubble wrap him until he can make his next start. There are few titles as dangerous as “Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher” it seems nowadays, so let’s hope this sticks for at least a little while.
Yesterday, it was reported Dave Roberts was deciding between Carlos Frias and Stripling with Zach Lee seemingly falling by the wayside.
Today, news broke that Roberts has made his decision. This, via J.P. Hoornstra.
Ross Stripling is the fifth starter. Carlos Frias optioned
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) April 1, 2016
Roberts gave a little more information about the decision, via Bill Shaikin.
Roberts on Stripling: “Where we are as far as the state of our rotation, it’s more of a necessity for him to start the season with us.”
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 1, 2016
Then, again via Hoornstra.
Stripling starts Friday in San Francisco. Roberts says, “this is what we see in the near term as far as Ross taking the ball every 5th day.”
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) April 1, 2016
First, no one will ever accuse Roberts of speaking anywhere near normally.
The first quote, translated from Roberts-to-English: Injuries have forced Stripling into a spot they didn’t originally foresee. As it stands, he’s the starter, but only because the situation forced him into that role.
Secondly: This move is by no means permanent. Stripling could pitch well and force the Dodgers into rethinking this stance, but it certainly seems as if they’re predicting more fluency for whoever does pitch in that spot.
NEXT: Best Dodgers Ever at Each Position
This better be an April fools joke..
Who tf is stripling
Why would Ross Stripling be a bad option as a stopgap until someone like Bolsinger or Ryu is ready within the next month or two? Stripling is a better option than Frias or Lee at this point in time. Frias did have the better spring ERA (3.44 to 4.09), but has K/BB ratio was far worse (13/7 in 18.1 IP to 11/4 in 11 IP) and his WHIP was way worse too (1.36 with a .260 BAA to 1.09 with a .200 BAA). Stripling has better swing and miss stuff compared to the other two and he only got burned by the long ball in one game this spring. With the exception of being out for 2014 due to Tommy John Surgery he has consistently ranked in the top 20ish in our system. He has good stuff, just needs the opportunity.