The Los Angeles Dodgers already were tracking to begin Spring Training with a surplus of starting pitchers, and that depth was added to with the forthcoming signing of Trevor Bauer to a three-year contract.
Bauer and the Dodgers reportedly agreed to a deal that will make the right-hander the highest-paid player in MLB history both this season and in 2022. While rotation order will be sorted out at a later date, he gives the Dodgers a third Cy Young Award winner.
Having used Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Julio Urias out of the bullpen and as starters, L.A. has flexibility for the final spot in their starting rotation.
According to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers at present time are planning to give the nod to Urias over Gonsolin and May:
As it stands, the Dodgers plan on keeping Julio Urías in the rotation. That would bump out Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May — for now.
So the projected rotation is Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Trevor Bauer, David Price, and Julio Urías on Feb. 6.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 7, 2021
Last year was the first time Urias began a season with a defined role as a starting pitcher. Although he regularly expressed a willingness to contribute by any means and whenever asked, it had long been evident the left-hander preferred starting.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also maintained the organization viewed Urias as a starter even as he was asked to fill a swing role over recent seasons. Of course, Urias’ most important work last year wound up coming in relief as he closed out the World Series.
Meanwhile, May was pressed into starting duty early as he filled in for Clayton Kershaw on Opening Day. The rookie went on to finish 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched across 12 games (10 starts).
May was utilized both as a starter and reliever in the postseason, but largely struggled to find any consistent rhythm or success.
That also applied to Gonsolin, who got off to a delayed start in 2020 because of what he asserted was a false positive test for coronavirus (COVID-19). Gonsolin went 2-2 with a 2.31 ERA, 2.29 FIP and 0.84 WHIP in nine games (eight starts).
Will the Dodgers trade David Price?
Prior to coming to terms with Bauer, it was suggested the Dodgers would be open to trading David Price due to depth and luxury tax implications. It was more speculative than indications the veteran left-hander was being shopped, but that could easily change now that Bauer is in the fold.
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