The LA Dodgers’ pitching depth is one of the most hyped topics this year, all thanks to their aggressive off-season. Well, having the likes of Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and Tylar Glasnow is not a joke. This is just the tip of the iceberg, with names like Bobby Miller all there in the bullpen. Now, the question is whether the team would go for a 5-player or 6-player starting rotation. The Dodgers had previously stated that they would employ six players in the starting rotation, however, they now plan to start the season with a five-man roster.
As per the LA Dodgers’ initial plan, the 6-man rotation would include Snell, Sasaki, Yamamoto, Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. This would have allowed Sasaki and Yamamoto to stick to their weekly starting pitching schedule in Japan. Both players used to have an extra day off in Japan. Additionally, it would have helped to keep their infamous injury history in check. While the intention was good, the Dodgers came back to basics with a 5-man rotation, leaving Gonsolin or May out. “I think we’ll be able to fit whatever schedule makes sense for Yamamoto and Sasaki,” the Dodgers president, Andrew Friedman, said during Sasaki’s introductory press meet.
Shohei Ohtani is the key reason behind this decision. Yes, Ohtani is scheduled to go back to the mound this season, expectedly in May. Thus, to accommodate him in the rotation, the 6-man was reduced to 5. For reference, as per the new two-way play rule, Ohtani will not count within the maximum pitcher limit of 13. Hence, fielding a 5-man rotation is offering the LA Dodgers the option to go with eight relievers, and once returned, Ohtani will join as the sixth without taking a toll on the bullpen.
The Dodgers’ postseason contention starts in Tokyo
Now that it is clear that the LA Dodgers are going with a 5-man rotation, the upcoming Tokyo series opener will witness the same squad. However, even with keeping Ohtani as DH and continuing with a 5-man lineup, the Dodgers are still the favorite to get to the postseason. How? Both Sasaki and Yamamoto are projected to have 150+ strikeouts this year, as per the MLB insider Sarah Langs. Snell is coming up with a 5-3 record, a 3.12 ERA, and 145 strikeouts. That’s what the starting 3 pitchers of the Dodgers look like!
“We just wanted to kind of slow-play it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on why the team is not in a hurry to get Ohtani back to the mound. The LA Dodgers are projected to have Snell, Yamamoto, Sasaki, Glasnow, and May as the starters. Freedie Freeman, Tommy Edman, and Max Muncy will lead the plates. Ohtani will be the designated hitter. Hence, basemen with 43 homers from the last season, Ohtani behind them, and 2 pitchers with projected 150+ strikeouts—enough to make a team a top contender for the World Series ring.
While a few other teams are also equipped with their lineup, it is the two-way playing ability of Ohtani that makes the Dodgers stay ahead. Do you think a 5-man rotation would work for the Dodgers? Share your views with us below.
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