Los Angeles Dodgers: The must-watch battle for the fifth rotation spot
By Jason Reed
Ross Stripling
On paper, Ross Stripling should probably be the favorite to snag the fifth starting spot. Stripling slotted into the role last season for an injured Dodgers pitching staff and absolutely thrived. His efforts, which included a 2.08 ERA in 14 starts.
However, the dominance quickly faded and it appeared as if the starting pitcher role may have gotten to Striping. Stripling has primarily been a long relief or emergency starter option for the Dodgers in his three-year career and this was the first time that he had an extended look at being a starting pitcher.
That led to Stripling completely fizzing out the second half, posting a 6.41 ERA in just seven starts.
He started to battle with injuries and he was not even included in the Dodgers playoff roster despite being an all-star just three months earlier.
When Stripling has his breaking stuff working he is one of the best pitchers that the Dodgers have. He has an elite out pitch in his curveball and has developed great accuracy around the corners, which is something you have to develop when you are not a flamethrower.
Stripling will make some spot starts for the Dodgers this year and can win the job if he can put together a good spring. However, right now, it appears as if he will be best utilized out of the bullpen.