Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Ross Stripling entered the 2018 season in his usual role as a swingman, cracking the Opening Day roster as one of eight relievers with the capability of logging multiple innings when needed.
Stripling’s first 10 appearances came exclusively out of the bullpen, as he didn’t make his first start until the final day of April. One week later, he entered the starting rotation on a regular basis because Clayton Kershaw was placed on the disabled list with left biceps tendinitis.
Stripling has since emerged as one of the Dodgers’ most reliable starters while posting career highs in nearly statistical category. Such contributions from the 28-year-old weren’t expected, given he was initially tabbed to receive most of his work as a reliever.
Over the offseason, Stripling revealed that he wondered if a change of scenery was necessary in order to fulfill his desires of becoming a full-time starting pitcher, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
“I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t think about that,” Stripling said. “But I certainly don’t want to go on the record as saying like ‘I wish I got traded.’ Because that’s not where I was. What I wanted was another chance to start. I felt like that was definitely slipping away here.”
Stripling has certainly made the most of his opportunities, compiling a minuscule 1.20 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 30 innings pitched during the month of May and followed it up with a 2.48 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in June. He recently admitted to becoming more accustomed to his regular duties in the starting rotation.
In 23 overall games (12 starts) this season, Stripling is 6-2 with a 2.27 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 83.1 innings pitched with 96 strikeouts to only 13 walks.
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