The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation is already in shambles to begin the 2020 season as David Price opted out, and now both Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood are on the 10-day injured list less than a week into game action.
Kershaw was scratched from his Opening Day start with a back issue, while Wood lasted just three innings in his first outing of the season before going down with shoulder inflammation on Tuesday.
As far as Kershaw goes, the injury is not believed to be serious, and he was already able to get back on the mound for a bullpen on Tuesday. He’s scheduled to throw a second on Thursday, and could return at some point after that.
However, Kershaw has already been ruled out for potentially starting against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, when the Dodgers need someone to fill in for Wood’s turn in the rotation.
“We have some options. Tony [Gonsolin], Mitchell White, Josiah Gray, Victor Gonzalez if need be,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the team’s pitching depth. “We’re going to leave it open.”
Gonsolin is the most obvious of the bunch to potentially start Friday since he has big-league experience. But reported to Summer Camp late, so it is currently unclear how built up he is.
Roberts also discussed the possibility of Gonzalez, who started during Spring Training but not in Summer Camp, and is someone organization views as a candidate for the rotation in the future, although most likely not this season.
“Long term, I think we do (consider Gonzalez a starter). But this year, you’ve got to look at it as an outlier,” Roberts explained.
“You may see a certain player in a role, but have to look at this year and what can help you this season. Victor is built up to three innings, maybe four. It’s an option. Victor, we certainly see as a starter long term.”
Urias to start Saturday against Diamondbacks
Considering the Dodgers had a day off at the beginning of the week, they could opt to move Julio Urias up and start him on regular rest on Friday night if they don’t want to call up another starter. Roberts doesn’t anticipate that happening, however.
“We’re going to keep Julio with that extra day, so he’ll start on Saturday,” he said.
The Dodgers have arguably the best starting pitching depth in baseball, and that is being put to the test early in 2020. If they can manage until Kershaw gets back though, then they should be OK with the options in place.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
