Because of injuries and a surplus of starting pitchers, the Los Angeles Dodgers have largely set their rotation on a series-by-series basis without projecting much further. Such was the case for the upcoming three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Up until the weekend, only Clayton Kershaw was a known starter coming out of the series against the Miami Marlins. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts went on to confirm Rich Hill is getting the ball Wednesday, followed by Kenta Maeda on Thursday.
Maeda is currently on the 10-day disabled list, meaning a roster move is required in order for him to make the scheduled start. It’s plausible Josh Ravin, who was recalled Sunday, will be optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Maeda was eligible to come off the on Sunday, but the Dodgers instead started Brandon McCarthy in the four-game finale against the Marlins. Maeda allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits over four innings in a rehab start with High-A Rancho Cucamonga last Friday.
After their series with St. Louis, the Dodgers’ conclude their 10-game homestand with a matchup against the Chicago Cubs. It’s currently unclear who the Dodgers will start in that three-game set.
One candidate who can likely be ruled out is Julio Urias, as the young left-hander was optioned to Oklahoma City. Urias must wait 10 days before being eligible to rejoin the club, unless he’s replacing an injured player.
Los Angeles will face a trio of Cardinals right-handers in Lance Lynn, Mike Leake and Michael Wacha.
