Dodgers’ Friedman Faces First Test
Oct 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning during game four of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Dodgers strengthen the back end of the rotation?
As long as Clayton Kershaw, Zack Grienke and Hyun-Jin Ryu stay healthy, starting pitching will be a strength for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
That being said, the Dodgers have been unable to find reliable pitching from the 4th and 5th starters.
Dan Haren performed admirably at times for the Dodgers in 2014, but he is clearly better suited to be a 5th starter and would not be considered a long-term solution.
There is talk that the Dodgers are in the running to land maybe the top pitcher on the free agent market, Jon Lester. But the expectation around the league is that the Dodgers are not interested in paying the hefty asking price that Lester will likely command.
If looking for pitching help at more of a discounted price is the goal, maybe a player that Francisco Liriano from the Pirates could be an option? Despite strong performances the last two years, his injury history might help to keep his price down on the free agent market and make him a potential bargain for LA.