At the time of naming Ross Stripling the fifth starter, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts voiced plenty of confidence in the right-hander for his pitch mix and competitiveness. Stripling then proceeded to throw 7.1 no-hit innings in his Major League debut.
Some of the novelty has since worn off, as Stripling has thrown six innings in two of the seven starts after his gem against the San Francisco Giants. Even in the game where the 26 year old earned his first career win and collected his first Major League hit, Stripling managed to toss just five innings.
It’s become commonplace for Stripling to express frustration and bewilderment over his inability to make a pitch here or there that could lead to better results in his outing. Thursday wasn’t any different, with Stripling losing his way in the fifth inning while pitching with a 4-2 lead.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim loaded the bases on a leadoff single and pair of one-out walks. Stripling struck out Albert Pujols on three pitches, but then hit C.J. Cron with a pitch to bring a run in.
It was the first time in Stripling’s professional career he hit a batter, and Cron was the last hitter he faced on the evening. Stripling lamented his inability to retire the leadoff man throughout the game and again failing to work his way through an opposing lineup a third time, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
“Just another frustrating game,” Stripling said. “It seems like I was always battling, couldn’t get the first guy out in an inning. I felt like I was always pitching from the stretch.
“Another outing where the best player hurt me. Matt Kemp got me. (Giancarlo) Stanton and now Trout tonight. I’ve got to find a way to get through the lineup more than twice and keep the big guys from hurting me.”
Trout tied the game with an RBI single in the first inning and cut the Dodgers’ lead to 3-2 with a solo home run in the third. On the season, opponents are batting .333/.476/.545 against Stripling a third time through the lineup.
Although a timeline for such a move hasn’t been provided, Stripling’s time in the Dodgers’ rotation may soon be coming to an end. Mike Bolsinger has recovered from an oblique strain, and Stripling, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014, is pitching on an innings limit.
Moreover, Hyun-Jin Ryu began his rehab assignment and Brandon McCarthy is closing in on starting his.
