Through their first week-plus of 2017 Cactus League games, the Los Angeles Dodgers have started Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy. All but McCarthy have two starts under their belt this year, with Clayton Kershaw making a third on Tuesday.
As has been the case thus far, he’ll be followed by Rich Hill (third start) on Wednesday. However, an off-day Thursday has forced the club to do some juggling, and Kenta Maeda will also pitch Wednesday, but in a simulated game on a backfield at Camelback Ranch.
Brandon McCarthy and Julio Urias will piggyback Friday night against the Texas Rangers, with McCarthy receiving the start.
Then on Saturday, Hyun-Jin Ryu will make his 2017 debut against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ryu nearly did as much last week against the San Francisco Giants in what was the Dodgers’ first night game of the spring.
However, the left-hander was suffering from discomfort in his adductor muscle, and instead threw a bullpen session followed by live batting practice a few days later. It was the second time this spring that Ryu faced hitters at Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts surmised the club would have a clearer picture on the construction of their 25-man roster by mid-March. Questions remain in the rotation beyond Kershaw, Hill and Maeda.
Kazmir, among the seven candidates vying to fill the remaining two spots, was removed early from his start on Monday due to left hip tightness. Kazmir is expected to work on his mechanics over the next week while pitching on the backfields.
While Brock Stewart, Ross Stripling and Alex Wood have each made two appearances this spring, none has started a game. That will change on Sunday when Wood gets the start against the Chicago White Sox in the night game of a day-night doubleheader.
That means Kershaw will make his fourth start of the spring in the afternoon game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium.
