The Los Angeles Dodgers were bit by the injury bug throughout Spring Training and it carried into the regular season; the starting rotation and outfield were hit particularly hard.
With Hyun-Jin Ryu taking longer than initially expected to recover from shoulder surgery and Brett Anderson undergoing back surgery, the Dodgers were forced to find a fifth starter. The most ideal candidate for the job was Mike Bolsinger, who pitched well for the team last year after both Ryu and Brandon McCarthy went down.
But shortly after essentially being named the team’s fifth starter, Bolsinger went down with an oblique strain, suffered while warming up for a March 20 start. Although the right-hander believed he’d return in time for the regular season, Bolsinger opened the year on the disabled list.
After throwing multiple bullpen sessions, Bolsinger recently advanced to facing batters. “He faced live hitters, velocity is where it’s supposed to be,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I’d say he’s a couple of weeks away from us needing to make a decision on him.”
With Ross Stripling, the Dodgers’ fifth starter at present time, on an innings limit this season, it’s plausible he’ll be replaced in the rotation by Bolsinger. Roberts previously acknowledge moving Stripling to the bullpen is under consideration.
If not, Bolsinger presumably will be added to the Triple-A Oklahoma City roster for the time being. Bolsinger was 6-6 with a 3.62 ERA, 3.91 FIP and 1.36 WHIP in 21 starts for the Dodgers last season.
