As pitchers and catchers began reporting to Camelback Ranch for the start of Spring Training on Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers got their first look at the collective depth on the pitching staff.
With new faces in the rotation, the Dodgers have assembled a group of starters that can afford to rest pitchers who are coming off of respective injuries, and better withstand potential injuries over the course of the season.
For some, such as Brandon Beachy, this spring marks the beginning of a new chapter with the Dodgers. Still recovering from a second Tommy John surgery, Beachy first joined the organization in February 2015.
He completed the rehab process and made his Dodgers debut last July. Beachy struggled through two starts, was designated for assignment and sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Beachy elected free agency last October, though re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year contract in January. He was sent outright to Oklahoma City later that month.
Participating in camp with the Dodgers for the first time in his career, Beachy provided positive news on his health, via Ron Cervenka of Think Blue LA:
Brandon Beachy says he's 100% and feels great… "finally."
— ThinkBlueLA (@Think_BlueLA) February 20, 2016
In his two starts with the Dodgers last season, the 29 year old allowed a combined seven runs on 10 hits, walked six and had five strikeouts over eight innings pitched. Beachy was 1-1 with a 3.64 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 10 games (nine starts) with Oklahoma City.
His contract includes incentives centered around total number of starts made this season, innings pitched and making the Opening Day roster. For his career, Beachy is 14-12 with a 3.36 ERA, 3.41 FIP and 1.16 WHIP in 48 Major-League starts.
