Spring Training not only gives a chance to re-acclimate into the schedule of a Major League season, but also begins the competition for various spots on the roster. For Alex Wood, he’s competing for one of two remaining spots in the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation.
Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda are locks, health permitting, for the rotation come Opening Day of the 2017 season. While many expect Julio Urias to obtain a spot, the Dodgers front office remains insistent on controlling his workload.
All in all, the battle for the final two spots in the rotation is free-for-all competition between seven pitchers who are either returning from injury or attempting to make a leap. Wood entered Spring Training healthy and ready to compete, citing his increased velocity and better pitching mechanics.
Wood explained why the competition and belief the Dodgers will go with their best options, rather than make a decision based on player contracts, is encouraging, via Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“They’re going to go with who gives them the best chance to win. I feel fortunate to be here. In Atlanta and other places, the guys with the big contracts are usually the ones that are pretty locked in, no matter what.”
Wood recently stated that he would be open to taking a role in the bullpen, an area he has had success at before. However, in a candid manner, Wood added he believes he’s deserving of a starting job.
Wood yielded a 3.73 ERA, 3.18 FIP and 1.26 WHIP in 14 games (10 starts) last season. All of his appearances out of the bullpen came once the left-hander returned from elbow surgery.
In two Cactus League relief appearances, the 26-year-old has allowed two runs on four hits in four innings pitched. Wood is scheduled to make his first start of the spring on Saturday, when the Dodgers host the Chicago White Sox to complete a day-night doubleheader.
