A rash of injuries last spring led to Ross Stripling being named the Los Angeles Dodgers fifth starter, in a mild surprise. Stripling went on to make his now-infamous MLB debut against the San Francisco Giants.
He threw 7.1 no-hit innings before Dodgers manager Dave Roberts brought the hook because of a pitch count that had been put into place. Last season was Stripling’s first full year since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2014.
He was shut down last June due to “lower body fatigue” and sent to Camelback Ranch. It served a dual purpose, as it allowed Stripling to conserve innings. He re-joined the Dodgers at the end of July and was with the team for the remainder of the regular season.
Stripling was utilized as a starter and reliever in 2016, and reported to Spring Training this year vying for one of the two available spots in the rotation. However, Roberts noted early on that Stripling was instead viewed as a long relief candidate.
It’s the role that led to the right-hander making the Opening Day roster. But Stripling has pitched himself into high-leverage situations. Prior to Rich Hill’s blister again becoming an issue, Roberts noted the balance that comes with handling Stripling.
“With Ross, we’re very aware of trying to continue to build up his innings, albeit as a reliever,” he said. “If something unforeseen does happen, we know that we have him as a potential starter.
“We see him as a starter but right now for our club, the role that he fits is the one he’s in right now. His ability to pitch out of the bullpen is something that McCarthy or Kazmir haven’t done. Ross is very comfortable in that role, and he helps us win baseball games.”
In light of Hill re-aggravating his blister, Roberts intimated Alex Wood will take the place of Hill in the rotation. Should the Dodgers at some point need to fill atone for losing another starting pitcher, Roberts is confident Stripling would be able to handle the responsibility of alternating roles.
“Mentally, I think he’d be OK with it, he did that last year,” Roberts said. “It’s not ideal for a young pitcher but if a circumstance presents itself, it’s certainly worth a conversation.”
Stripling owns a 1.04 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in five relief appearances this season. He’s struck out 13 batters compared to just one walk in 8.1 innings pitched.
