Flush with starting pitching depth, the Los Angeles Dodgers went into the 2019 regular season without ace Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill on the Opening Day roster because of respective injuries.
Ross Stripling was first in line to fill the expected void in the starting rotation as it long began to appear unlikely Kershaw would return in time from shoulder inflammation. Meanwhile, Hill’s left knee strain created an opportunity for Julio Urias.
Stripling is looking to build off an All-Star campaign that ended in some disappointment due to fatigue. Julio Urias is on an innings limit but pitched remarkably well during Spring Training.
Despite injuries to their top-two left-handers, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is comfortable with the club’s starting pitching depth, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“We felt really good about our depth coming into camp. We weren’t anxious to showcase it this early,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “But we still really like the five guys we have.”
As Friedman noted, the Dodgers certainly would have liked to preserve their depth for later in the season as they have over recent years. But they nevertheless have young arms who can help weather the storm for as long as necessary.
Kershaw has made progress in his recovery, recently throwing a successful simulated game in what Dodgers manager Dave Roberts deemed a great day for the organization. Kershaw is due to toss another sim game over the weekend.
Moreover, Hill has been encouraged with his recovery from a MCL strain and hopes to return sooner rather than later. He remains optimistic despite his expected two-week absence.
