Brandon McCarthy has been through a lot since signing a four-year, $48 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2015 season. Just four starts into his new deal he torn a ligament in his throwing elbow that required Tommy John surgery.
McCarthy willingly returned slightly ahead of schedule last season due to the Dodgers’ need for some stability in their rotation. He was effective through four starts but then struggled and landed back on the disabled list.
McCarthy’s troubles proved to be more mental than physical, as he was unable to shake the yips and finished the year in disappointment. The 34-year-old has rebounded nicely and emerged as a dependable starter this season.
While there have been a few short disabled-list stints and some poor outings, McCarthy recently said he believes that’s tied to mechanics, not the mental issues he dealt with last season, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
“It’s discomforting and heartening how close and how far away it feels at the same time,” McCarthy said. “I don’t think it’s a mental glitch. I think it’s mechanical right now. It’s just figuring out what the key is, getting that back.”
Overall on the season, McCarthy has made 15 starts, going 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA, 3.27 FIP and 1.17 WHIP, while striking out 61 and walking 24 in 82.2 inning of work. He takes the mound Thursday in the opener of a 10-game homestand and four-game series with the Atlanta Braves.
Reports suggest the Dodgers’ focus leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is on acquiring a left-handed reliever. The club seemingly is content with a rotation that’s anchored by Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, Rich Hill and McCarthy.
Although he’s endured some troubles since joining the Dodgers, McCarthy has produced stretches where he’s pitched effectively.
