As the Los Angeles Dodgers have sought to build a roster with versatility on the position player side, Ross Stripling has carried that torch on the pitching staff. A starter by trade, Stripling has carved out a key role for the Dodgers as a swingman of sorts.
Stripling made his MLB debut as a starter, which he did in 14 of 22 games in 2016 — his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery. But the right-hander then started just two of 49 games the following year.
Last season (33 games; 21 starts) saw a shift back in the other direction. Beyond changing roles, there’s been uncertainty for Stripling in not knowing how he would be most utilized.
“It used to be tough. Like, say 2016 or 2017, when you kind of want a clear-cut role, wanted to know what they viewed you as and what you’re going to be,” Stripling told DodgerBlue.com. “I think as you move forward, I’ve kind of figured out that’s where my value is around here. That’s kind of what keeps me around.
“I’m like the Kiké of the pitching staff; I can kind of do it all. I think they love having that swingman, even though that’s not exactly what I am, but like a swingman-type guy that can throw two innings to bridge a starter to a backend, I can get one out in the eighth, and then I can make a start.
“It’s nice to have that versatility. You just kind of get used to it and at the end of the day you know you don’t have a choice but to get used to it. So I try not to panic about it as much as I maybe did two or three years ago.”
Although he was initially ticketed for a spot in the bullpen, Stripling was built up as a starter during Spring Training. It proved to be a prudent decision given Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill both began the season on the 10-day injured list, moving Stripling into the rotation.
Suddenly being thrust into starting is a role the 29-year-old ran with last season, earning a first career selection to the All-Star Game. “I spent the first month in the bullpen and then all of a sudden I rallied off 20 starts or whatever it was,” Stripling said.
“You never want guys to get hurt, hopefully everyone stays healthy, but that almost never happens through 162 games.”
His time as a starter appeared to be winding to a close as Kershaw is on the verge of returning, with Hill potentially a couple weeks from being activated himself. However, Hyun-Jin Ryu suffering a strained left groin could lend to Stripling remaining in the rotation.
