Statistically, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a fine pitching rotation. But according to a report from Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com, they’re looking to upgrade.
“The Dodgers entered this week’s showdown series against the Nationals with the best team ERA in Major League Baseball,” Morosi wrote. “However, executives around the game expect Los Angeles to pursue pitching upgrades — starters and relievers — before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.”
Morosi cited a few factors.
One is that aside from Clayton Kershaw, the remaining Los Angeles starters have a combined total of one 200-inning season in their careers. He also noted that Kershaw will soon turn 30 and has been overworked during the team’s most-recent playoff failures.
This would be a sound move for the Dodgers to make.
First of all, a team essentially can’t have too much good pitching. It’s next to impossible.
Secondly, Kershaw has been worked very hard over the last few seasons. In 2013, 2014 and 2016, he started what proved to be Los Angeles’ final playoff game. In each elimination game, he turned in an effort well below his standards. That’s also notable because in 2013 and 2014, Zack Greinke was on the team. So, the rotation wasn’t so dependent on Kershaw.
That’s a sign that the Dodgers should look for at least two other staring pitchers, especially if they don’t have a lot of confidence in what Kenta Maeda, Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Alex Wood, Julio Urias or Rich Hill can do in October.
Los Angeles is a very good team. But if it’s planning on winning a World Series, pitching is a key area that needs to be improved upon.