While the Los Angeles Dodgers are flush with starting pitching depth, it’s been tested early in the 2019 season. Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill began the season on the 10-day injured list, and they were joined this week by Hyun-Jin Ryu.
He was removed after recording just five outs in the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. Ryu was diagnosed with a left groin strain, which was the same muscle he tore last year and missed three months recovering from.
Ryu has maintained his latest groin trouble is not as serious, and already reported steady improvement. Nonetheless, the Dodgers placing him on the IL left them in need of a starter for Saturday’s game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts initially indicated a bullpen game was not likely, but he’s softened on that stance and could head down that route with Dennis Santana receiving the start, per David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Dave Roberts said they are still considering a “bullpen game” tomorrow and Dennis Santana would be part of that mix. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 12, 2019
Santana last pitched at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, when he threw one inning out of the bullpen. The young right-hander was recalled by the Dodgers on April 7, taking the place of Brock Stewart due to his struggles in the role of long reliever.
Santana’s availability to possibly make his first Major League start hinges on whether or not he’s needed against the Brewers on Friday. The Dodgers haven’t received much length from their starters recently, but are carrying a nine-man bullpen.
