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Dodgers Rumors: Rotation Rounding Into Form for 2017

By Evan Lovett

Mar 25, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Los Angeles Dodgers break camp this Wednesday, it appears that their starting rotation is rounding into form according to the latest Dodgers rumors.

With only one week away from the first game of the Dodgers season, the latest Dodgers rumors provide us some insight on the ongoing rotation battle.

Early in spring, it was a free-for-all amongst ten potential starters for the five slots in manager Dave Roberts’ rotation. Here’s what is known: Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, and Kenta Maeda own the top three spots. It appears that Brandon McCarthy will be slated for the fourth slot, with Alex Wood and Hyun-Jin Ryu fighting it out for the fifth and final spot.

Wood, a left-hander with a high ceiling, has thrown 11 1/3 innings in spring and has one more start to prove his competence for the rotation. His WHIP is a sparkling 0.97 on the spring, as he has struck out 11 batters and pitched to a 3.18 ERA.

Ryu, battling back from two injury-laden seasons, has looked even better – his WHIP is a minuscule 0.67. He has allowed only one run and five hits in his eight innings. He also has one start left to prove both his health and worthiness for the rotation.

One thing is certain – Scott Kazmir is no longer a candidate after struggling to figure out his delivery during the Spring. The inconsistency of his fastball and command – he walked seven batters in five innings, compiling an obscene 2.12 WHIP – led to his dismissal by manager Roberts. The club is still figuring out how to best rework Kazmir to get him back to the big leagues.

Ryu is slated to make his final start of camp today versus the White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Wood is scheduled to take the hill tomorrow. Though performance may dictate who makes the rotation, the 26-year old Wood has both minor league options and bullpen experience. This could infer that Ryu may take the final rotation spot.

Ryu was a key cog for the Dodgers in 2013 and 2014, starting 56 games and posting a 28-15 record while finishing fourth in the 2013 Rookie of the Year vote. Ryu had shoulder surgery and missed the entirety of 2015 and was shut down after one start in 2016 with elbow inflammation.

Alex Wood has a 3.35 ERA in 499 1/3 career innings, logging 27 wins in 77 starts. In addition to his minor league options, Wood is effective against left-handed hitters, making him a valuable weapon out of the bullpen.

Next: Three Last Minute Moves for the Dodgers

The Dodgers will have the rotation settled by the time they open the season on Monday, April 3rd against the Padres at Dodger Stadium.

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