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Dodgers Preview 2017: The Pitching Rotation

By Evan Lovett

Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias throws against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning during game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias throws against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning during game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) looks on during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) looks on during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Dodgers season ended in the National League championship series last year for a plethora of reasons, none more important than their free-falling pitching staff.

The lack of reliable depth – and healthy bodies – behind Clayton Kershaw finally proved too much for the Dodgers to overcome in their six game loss to the Cubs.

With the bulk of the club back for 2017, the front office of general manager Farhan Zaidi and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman are optimistic about this team’s potential to reach the World Series — a goal Dodgers fans have craved for the past 29 years.

So with no major acquisitions, why should the Dodgers feel this year could be an improvement on the past?

Well, there’s always Clayton Kershaw – and with a healthy Rich Hill and an improved Kenta Maeda, the organization believes that the starting rotation can compete with any team in the National League.

Beyond that, the depth compiled under this regime is impressive and could prove to be the backbone of this year’s squad.

Let’s take a look at the specifics.

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