The Los Angeles Dodgers went into their series against the Cleveland Guardians without a set starter for the series finale despite Thursday being when Lance Lynn would make his next turn in the rotation.
Lynn last pitched on August 17 against the Milwaukee Brewers when he tossed seven shutout innings, giving up four hits and one walk, but only striking out three hitters. Closing out the series against the Guardians would have given Lynn six days of rest, but the Dodgers have delayed that one day further.
Instead, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Lynn is scheduled to start Friday in the series opener against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Right-hander Lance Lynn’s spot will come up Thursday but Roberts said Lynn will start Friday in Boston.
The decision is likely just to give Lynn some extra rest after pitching in a playoff-type game his last time out. He also ranks 22nd in MLB in innings pitched with 144.2 and is likely to be an important part of the Dodgers’ postseason rotation.
The 36-year-old has pitched at an elite level since being traded to the Dodgers, posting a 1.44 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 25 innings while striking out 25 batters compared to only five walks. The trade completely turned around Lynn’s season after he had an MLB-worst 6.47 ERA in 119.2 innings with the Chicago White Sox.
Lynn has credited the change of scenery, along with a “little bit of everything” going right with the Dodgers for helping him get back on track.
Overall, he has pitched to a 5.60 ERA with 169 strikeouts and a 1.36 WHIP, and he holds a career 3.68 ERA in 1,850 innings.
Who starts Thursday in place of Lance Lynn?
Ryan Pepiot was on the Dodgers’ taxi squad for the road trip and pitched in what became the second game of a doubleheader against the Guardians on Thursday. He again appeared out of the bullpen, though not directly behind Caleb Ferguson, who was an opener.
The Dodgers need a replacement in their rotation for Tony Gonsolin, who is likely out for the season due to elbow trouble. Roberts named Pepiot one of the candidates to replace him, along with Ryan Yarbrough and Gavin Stone.
However, the Dodgers are hesitant to take Yarbrough out of his bullpen role.
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