TAMPA — It took awhile but their plan is finally coming together.
Back in spring training, the Dodgers talked about having so much starting pitching depth that they could go with a six-man rotation when Shohei Ohtani returned to pitching. By the time Ohtani started pitching in mid-June, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Tony Gonsolin and Roki Sasaki were all on the injured list.
Glasnow returned before the All-Star break. Snell returned Saturday and the Dodgers finally have their six-man rotation – those two plus Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, Ohtani and Emmet Sheehan. After pitching in bulk behind Ohtani on Wednesday, Sheehan will get the start Tuesday, between Glasnow and Ohtani against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“It certainly takes a lot of pressure off, whether it’s the bullpen, whether it’s off a spot starter or a young starter,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I still believe you win with pitching and defense and timely hitting. And to have guys that you expect to take down most of the outs in a game, having them healthy is everything. Last year we found a way to do it, not having that. But having the starters healthy, pitching the way they’re capable of, makes it a better quality of life for everyone.”
The Dodgers haven’t had a winning streak longer than two games – hardly even a streak – in a month (June 29-July 2). With the San Diego Padres just three games back in the division entering Saturday, the need to string wins together is obvious and a settled starting rotation could be critical.
“It’s important,” Roberts agreed. “I think each night, when you have a formidable starter, you feel like you have a really good chance for the guy to go deeper in a game, feel like you have a chance to win that particular ballgame. So having guys every single night that you look at the probables, and we feel good, I think obviously puts us in a good mental frame.
“Then it just goes to the offense and the defense to make plays, convert outs that you need to make, and score runs, like we did last night (in a 5-0 win behind Kershaw). So last night was textbook.
“I think this is sort of what we envisioned. And it hasn’t been linear, like it never is, as far as how you get to a place. But where we’re at on Aug. 1 or 2, and also with Max (Muncy) coming back at some point soon, signs are kind of looking like the roster we all intended.”
ROSTER MOVES
In order to activate Snell from the 60-day injured list for his start Saturday, the Dodgers optioned right-hander Paul Gervase to Triple-A. Gervase was acquired from the Rays as part of the three-team trade earlier this week.
Left-hander Zach Penrod was designated for assignment to clear a 40-man spot. Penrod was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in June. Penrod had a 4.85 ERA in seven appearances with Oklahoma City.
ALSO
Former outfielder Kevin Kiermaier visited the Dodgers’ clubhouse before Saturday’s game and received his 2024 World Series ring from the team. Kiermaier retired after last season.
UP NEXT
Dodgers (RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 9-7, 2.63 ERA) at Rays (RHP Joe Boyle, 1-1, 2.82 ERA), 9:10 a.m. Sunday, SportsNet LA, 570 AM