When the Los Angeles Dodgers began Spring Training they had more starting pitchers than spots available in the rotation. However, injuries quickly changed that, and set in motion a competition for the fifth starter job.
Another injury robbed the Dodgers of their initial choice — Mike Bolsinger — and led to rookie Ross Stripling beginning the 2016 season on the club’s roster. He’s since pitched out of the bullpen, been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, shut down due to an innings limit, and once again pressed into starting action.
“With Ross, obviously the pitch mix is very good. He’s a polished pitcher,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said prior to Friday’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“But I think the mindset of being open to some uncertainties as far as being here, being sent down, being a starter, or being in the bullpen. Nothing has fazed his preparation.”
Stripling tossed seven innings, allowing five runs on six hits, including two home runs. He was haunted by soft contact and sloppy defense in the first inning, allowing Pittsburgh to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
The Dodgers’ fifth-round pick in the 2002 Draft lamented some of the mistakes he made, namely those that led to homers. However, Stripling otherwise took the outing, as he has the season, in stride.
“Right now it’s fun. I think maybe a guy that does it for three years, maybe it wears on you a little bit,” he said of being utilized in multiple roles. “Every time you get a call back to the big leagues it’s kind of like the first time.
“That’s always going to be a special feeling. Other than that you just do your preparation and get ready to pitch no matter what role you’re in. When they give you the ball, be ready to rock. That’s kind of the way I have to look at it.”
Playing a significant role for the Dodgers is further validation for Stripling, who simply wanted to provide a reminder of his presence. “Long story short, I came into spring hoping to prove to the front office that I’m still alive and can pitch,” Stripling said.
“I had a good spring and made the team, which was awesome. Then to go to Arizona, get optioned down, and come back, it’s been a lot of fun. It’s been fun to show I can do multiple roles and do what it takes to pitch out of the bullpen or as a starter.”
Considering how the Dodgers’ season has gone, what’s ahead for Stripling could very well change before his next turn. The 26-year-old is currently filling the void left in the rotation by Bud Norris, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a back strain.
Norris is eligible to come off the DL by the time his spot would come up for another start. No matter which direction the Dodgers head in, Stripling figures to be prepared.
