The Los Angeles Dodgers boat a tremendous amount of depth in the starting pitching department, making this spring plenty interesting. There are three locks to make the rotation in Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda.
Competing for the final two spots are multiple candidates returning from injury in Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Alex Wood, along with young pitchers Brock Stewart, Ross Stripling and Julio Urias.
The veterans are the favorites to land to spots as they do not have Minor League options, but that depends on their health and performance.
McCarthy, who still has two years remaining on the four-year deal he signed with the Dodgers in December 2014, pitched in just 10 games in 2016 after returning from Tommy John Surgery.
On Sunday, McCarthy faced live hitters for the first time this spring in a simulated game, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was pleased with what he saw.
“He went two innings and looks good, he really does,” Roberts said. “He’s executing pitches, command of everything the feel, everything was good. Second inning was better than the first inning. It was definitely a win for us.”
The following day, Roberts announced McCarthy is slated to start Friday in one of the Dodgers’ split squad games. Although he wasn’t fully certain, the second-year manager said it was likely McCarthy would face the Arizona Diamondbacks on the road, while Rich Hill would make the home start.
In addition to suffering from hip trouble last season, McCarthy also battled a case of the yips. “He worked really hard this winter. I think mentally he’s in a good place, there’s really no misfires,” Roberts said.
“I think he’s ready and throwing the ball really well. I think it’s more getting the opportunity to face hitters. Mentally, he’s fine. Physically, he feels strong and is repeating his delivery. We’re really encouraged. In talking to [Rick Honeycutt] and watching [McCarthy], he’s throwing the ball really well.”
