Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts announced that the fifth spot in the Los Angeles starting rotation has been decided, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. However, the newly extended skipper said it won’t be made public until the players are informed.
What’s Up For Grabs?
It is no secret that most of the star-studded roster has been locked down. The starting rotation is no exception. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaski will most likely get the starts in Japan. Blake Snell will take the hill for the home opener at Dodger Stadium against the Detroit Tigers, and last year’s Opening Day, Tyler Glasnow, starts the following game. That means three pitchers are bidding for the last spot among the starters.
Eying the Competition
Bobby Miller is bidding to make a comeback after a disappointing 2024. The young right-hander has arguably the best stuff of any pitcher in the Dodgers organization but has struggled with throwing mechanics and injuries. He has formed a bond with Cy Young Award Winner Snell and is confident he can return to form. However, his efforts were interrupted when a line drive in spring training hit him in the head.
Tony Gonsolin is coming off of Tommy John surgery. By all reports, he has had a solid spring flying under the radar. Prior to being hurt, he was 16-1 and received his first All-Star appearance for his efforts; if he stays healthy, he could add some length to what appears to be a dominant rotation.
Dustin May is also coming back from his second Tommy John Surgery as well as an operation on his esophagus. His repertoire is filthy, and he has consistently made hitters look helpless at the plate this spring. The question is, can he stay healthy? If May isn’t anointed the fifth starter, it is easy to see him coming out of the bullpen, as Michael Grove will be out for the season after shoulder surgery.
Dark Horses
Ben Casparius, Landon Knack, and Justin Wrobleski may also be options if and when injuries occur.
Whatever the case, the countdown to the season has begun.
Main Photo Credits: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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