Assuming full health, the Los Angeles Dodgers figure to have starting rotation comprised of Clayton Kershaw, Yu Darvish, Alex Wood and Rich Hill come the postseason. At a point in time this season, Brandon McCarthy was included in that outlook.
However, McCarthy has been hampered by a blister and knee tendinitis, both of which affected command. The Dodgers and veteran starter maintained the stretch of wildness was not a repeat of last season’s case of the yips.
McCarthy has been on the 10-day disabled list since July 24 (retroactive to July 21) with the aforementioned blister on the third finger of his right hand. He made a rehab start for High-A Rancho Cucamonga this week but was unhappy with the results in his three innings of work.
The 34-year-old will make another rehab start this weekend, and beyond serving as a ground to improve on command, the outing is another test for his troublesome blister, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
#Dodgers Brandon McCarthy said he will throw another bullpen Thursday then make another rehab start this weekend. Blister keeps re-opening.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 30, 2017
It’s currently unclear if McCarthy would remain on a rehab assignment beyond this weekend if he shows signs of improvement. The Dodgers will again have a surplus of starting pitchers once Kershaw and Wood are reinstated from the disabled list.
Regardless of when he returns, it’s unlikely McCarthy will be part of the rotation to close out the regular season. The right-hander may not factor into a potential bullpen role for the playoffs, considering a lack of experience as a reliever.
The Dodgers used McCarthy out of the bullpen during a game late last season and he allowed six runs on five hits without recording an out.
McCarthy this season is 6-4 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 16 starts. He failed to complete five innings in three of four outings leading up to his DL stint.
