The Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation has been hard hit by injuries in the early season. However, they could look to fix their rotation internally without a trade.
The Dodgers organization is not one to make a panic trade for a starter. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have gone on the injured list, but they should return at some point. Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani are working their way back as well. However, Glasnow’s injury could keep him out for an extended period.
“If we’re going to do this, then let’s make sure that we have everything taken care of, as far as the mechanics, the physical part of it,” Manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “So when we do get him back, then we can just move forward without looking back. This is going to be a tricky one as far as timeline.”
With news that Glasnow’s timetable is unclear, FanSided’s Stephen Parello suggested the Dodgers could look at their bullpen to fill the void.
“Another pathway forward for the Dodgers is to look at a couple of multi-inning relievers as potential starters, at least in the short term. Rookie Ben Casparius has already made a case to be looked at this way, due to his exceptional performance as a multi-inning reliever, wrote Parello. “Having already logged 21.2 innings in 11 appearances, Casparius has a stellar 2.91 ERA and 1.97 FIP on the season. With experience in the minors starting, the 26-year-old could, at least temporarily, take the reins and get the Dodgers through a few weeks as a starter with a short leash.”
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Parello also named the recent waiver claim, Yoendrys Gómez, as an option to be stretched out.
“Gómez has struggled with walks, allowing 6.23 BB/9 while also striking batters out at a pedestrian rate of 6.23 K/9,” wrote Parello. “Those issues make his early-season success seem unsustainable, especially in a larger role. His 4.77 FIP is probably a better indication of how he’s performed so far. Still, Gómez, 25, has some upside and, like Casparius, has some minor league experience starting. He could join Casparius as a sort of hold-down-the-fort option until the cavalry comes.”
Many might expect the ever-aggressive Dodgers’ front office to quickly make a trade for a starter. However, they know that Snell is progressing and that Kershaw and Ohtani should be able to pitch at some point.
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