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Dodgers Rumors: Ranking Each Starting Pitcher’s April Performance

By Jason Reed

April 14, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) is relieved in the ninth inning by manager Dave Roberts (30) against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 14, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) is relieved in the ninth inning by manager Dave Roberts (30) against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dodgers Rumors – Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Dodgers Rumors – Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kenta Maeda

April Stats: 2-2, 26.0 IP, 6.58 ERA, 27 K’s

Kenta Maeda got pretty roughed up in April, that’s no question. If it wasn’t for Rich Hill and his blister then he would have easily been the worst pitcher on this list. After being a workhorse last season, leading the team in wins and innings pitched, Maeda started the 2017 year off bad. As you may recall, Maeda also ended the 2016 year badly, either the man is tired or batters have figured him out.

One bright spot for Dodger fans is that Maeda showed immense improvement in his last start of the month. In the April 28th affair against the Philadelphia Phillies Maeda threw seven innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, and striking out eight batters. This performance lowered his ERA from above eight to 6.58 and may be the turnaround he needs.

This start from Maeda seemed to give the 29-year-old the confidence he displayed last season. Maeda has always had good stuff and is able to mix his pitches well, but it seems like this season he has been missing his locations causing hard contact. In his last start, he was able to keep the ball down and deceive batters with his changing of speed.

While one start may not mean much for Maeda, it is a promising sign heading into the month of May. With an extra day of rest, Maeda thrived, perhaps prompting Dave Roberts to either move to a six-man rotation or cycle between Kenta Maeda and Julio Urias.

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