Dodgers: Five questions that must be answered during Spring Training

4. Who is going to be the #2 pitcher behind Clayton Kershaw?

This answer may seem obvious on the surface, but it really is something that is going to need to be decided during Spring Training.

The obvious answer right off of the bat is Alex Wood. Wood was Kershaw’s number two guy throughout the Dodgers incredibly hot summer. Wood was a huge part in that hot summer and was virtually unhittable. However, as the season went along, Wood began to gas out and his pitching floundered. Although he thrived in October, he did struggle with that workload.

The Dodgers could turn to Rich Hill, who they were using in the postseason as the game two starter. Hill has become a forgotten asset on the Dodgers it seems and still is unhittable at his best. However, like Wood, injuries and that number two workload tend to get to Hill.

Then there is Kenta Maeda, who has an equal shot at either of the other guys in being the second starter. Maeda was the Dodgers second starter throughout 2016 and actually logged the most innings pitched on the team. Although Maeda was not his usual self in 2017, extra rest out of the bullpen helped him. Perhaps that rest could carry over into this next season.

Regardless, the Dodgers never really addressed this issue during the offseason (unless they make a shock trade or sign Jake Arrieta). Now, Dave Roberts and Rick Honeycutt may close attention in Spring Training to find out who the true number two really is.