As Major League Baseball (MLB) teams gear up for the upcoming season, the importance of starting lineup and rotation cannot be overstated. These two elements form the backbone of any team’s success and determine how well a team will perform throughout the grueling 162-game season. The Los Angeles Dodgers are no exception, and their success in recent years can largely be attributed to their strong starting rotation and lineup.
Dodgers Starting Rotation
The Dodgers starting rotation is one of the best in the league, which is a big reason they’ve been so successful in recent years. Led by Clayton Kershaw, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, the rotation is deep and talented, with plenty of options for Manager Dave Roberts to choose from. Julio Urias, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May are all young and gifted pitchers with the potential to be among the best in the league. Adding veteran Noah Syndergaard could boost the starting rotation, particularly if he returns to his early career form. Expect Syndergaard to replace Walker Beuhler, who may not be back this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year.
The Dodgers starting rotation was especially important during their run to the World Series championship in 2020. In a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dodgers leaned heavily on their top three pitchers, Kershaw, Buehler, and Urias, to get them through the playoffs. The three pitchers combined to start 10 of the Dodgers’ 18 playoff games, and they were dominant, allowing just 15 earned runs over 66 innings pitched.
Starting Lineup
The Dodgers’ lineup is just as impressive as their starting rotation. Led by superstars Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the lineup is deep and versatile, with players who can hit for power, average, and speed. Betts, acquired from the Boston Red Sox before the 2020 season, is one of the best all-around players in the game, with the ability to hit for power, steal bases, and play Gold Glove defense in the outfield. Freeman, the 2020 National League MVP, is another player with a rare combination of power and plate discipline, and he’s also an elite defender at first base.
But it’s not just Betts and Freeman who make the Dodgers’ lineup so dangerous. The team has several high-end talent players, including catcher Will Smith and versatile Max Muncy, who can play the entire infield but will likely start at 3B replacing Justin Turner. Both players have been critical contributors to the team’s success in recent years, and they provide a balanced approach to the lineup, with the ability to hit for average and power.
The Dodgers also have brought in J.D. Martinez, who will likely be relegated to the designator hitter role. Martinez is expected to fill in for some of the offense lost by the departure of Trea Turner to the Philadelphia Phillies. Gavin Lux will move from second base to shortstop, and top prospect Miguel Vargas will start the season playing second base. Tracee Thompson and Chris Taylor round out the outfield with the departure of Cody Bellinger.
Depth and Bullpen
Of course, creating a successful rotation and lineup isn’t easy, and the Dodgers have had their fair share of challenges over the years. Injuries have been a constant issue, with key players like Kershaw and Betts missing significant time at various points.
But despite these challenges, the Dodgers have been one of the most successful teams in the league in recent years, primarily because of their overall team depth and bullpen. The team has won nine out of the last ten National League West titles and made three World Series appearances in the last five years, winning it all in 2020, and are returning a team in 2023 that should remain highly competitive.
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2023 season, they’ll again be counting on their starting rotation and lineup to carry them to success. The team will look to Kershaw and Urias to lead the way on the mound, while Betts and Freeman will anchor the offense. And with a deep and talented roster that includes several up-and-coming players, the team will be a force to be reckoned with throughout the season.
