When the Los Angeles Dodgers reported for Spring Training this year, it was with a surplus of starting pitchers. That was trimmed at when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic delayed the start of the season and also led to David Price opting out in the best interest of his family’s health.
Then Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 10-day injured list on Opening Day, pressing Dustin May into duty. Alex Wood made just one start before also landing on the IL, and he since has returned as a relief pitcher.
The Dodgers were linked to starters Mike Clevinger and Lance Lynn at the trade deadline, but instead wound up further cutting into their depth by sending Ross Stripling to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a pair of prospects.
That’s put more of an emphasis on Julio Urias, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin with respect to a postseason rotation. While the Stripling trade is essentially a vote of confidence for the young three hurlers, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn’t want them to have a shift in mindset.
“I don’t think we ever had an intention where if they had a bad start or appearance, that it changed their role,” Roberts noted. “When you have a lot of pieces and trying to find a way for them to work, that was more the drive. But certainly when you trade Ross, there’s a little more of a runway and some clarity.
“I don’t like to think of it as pressure or now lack of pressure. I think it should be the same mindset for these guys to go out there and pitch well until I take the baseball from them.”
Postseason roles
By sheer numbers, one of Gonsolin, May and Urias doesn’t figure to join Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler in the postseason rotation. In that event, the Dodgers could look to place one of their starters in the bullpen, which is a common practice in October.
“We have a lot of good pitchers — starters and relievers — roles, as we look out, are going to change,” Roberts acknowledged. “That’s just the way it goes.
“But our encouragement is go out there and pitch as well as you can and compete.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
