The Los Angeles Dodgers are halfway through a stretch of four games started by a rookie pitcher. They’ve won both contests thus far. On Sunday, Jose De Leon became the fifth starter to make his Major League debut with the club this season.
Kenta Maeda, a veteran from Japan, was first to do so for the Dodgers on April 6, 2016. He was followed two days later by Ross Stripling, Julio Urias did the honors in May, and Brock Stewart in June. Stripling and Stewart take another turn in the rotation on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
A lack of continuity in the Dodgers’ rotation is only one example of what’s gone awry this season. “It’s nice to have five starters who throw 200 innings, that’s great. I still like that model,” manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday, stating the obvious.
“But I do like that regardless of who toes the rubber that day, we’re expecting to win. Our guys really believe that. Whether it’s a kid with one day of service (in the Majors) or 12 years of service, we plan on winning that game.”
Stability may be around the corner for the Dodgers as Clayton Kershaw is set to return Friday, and Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy are each on a rehab assignment. Though, Anderson’s future is uncertain after he struggled with High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
McCarthy was knocked around on Monday during his outing with the Quakes, but did show some signs of improved command. Kazmir is slated to start Wednesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Until then the Dodgers can stick with what’s worked — calling on any and all available options. Los Angeles enters play on Tuesday with a season-high four-game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West.
