The Los Angeles Dodgers’ win streak grew to four games on Friday night after defeating the rival San Francisco Giants, 3-2, in the opener of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
Ross Stripling was once again brilliant in what was his ninth start of the season, logging 6.2 innings of two-run ball while accumulating six strikeouts without issuing a walk.
For the 28-year-old, he continues to thrive with a regular role in the starting rotation. The unexpected success has led to many speculating on whether a potential All-Star Game selection could be in Stripling’s future.
Stripling wouldn’t be opposed to that, as he believes receiving such an honor doesn’t come around too often, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“A little bit because you see it and get asked about it,” he said. “I don’t know. If you think about Alex Wood’s year last year, he was like 11-1 with a 1.00-something at the All-Star break and was the last guy in (as an injury replacement).
“I’m just trying to go out there every five days and do my thing and not worry about that. Certainly, you never know if you’ll have another chance. … so I want to go out there and do my best to get there because it would be pretty cool.”
With Dodgers manager Dave Roberts taking the helm as National League skipper, it wouldn’t be surprising if he opts to include Stripling on his pitching staff. Stripling could even be in line to start the game, although Roberts hinted on Friday that Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer may get the start in his home ballpark.
The right-hander is relishing his opportunity in the starting rotation, filling in admirably for the injured Clayton Kershaw. In 20 games this season, he has compiled a 6-1 record with a minuscule 1.76 ERA, 2.41 FIP and 1.01 WHIP over 66.1 innings pitched.
Stripling has additionally tallied 78 strikeouts compared to only 11 walks, while already accumulating 2.5 WAR on the year, per Baseball-Reference’s calculations.
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