Dodgers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training on Feb. 8. As we count down to the opening of camp, we’re assessing the roster, position by position. Today, a look at the starting rotation. Previously: outfielders, infielders, catchers.
2023 RECAP
After losing Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot to spring injuries, the Dodgers opened the season with a starting rotation of Julio Urias, Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, Noah Syndergaard and Michael Grove. Only Kershaw was still starting for them by the end of the season – and that was only after he missed five weeks with a shoulder injury that led to offseason surgery. Gonsolin and May underwent elbow surgeries and might not return until 2025. Pepiot didn’t return from his rib injury until August. Syndergaard was a bust and was traded away (somehow bringing an actual return, Amed Rosario). Urias was placed on administrative leave by MLB following his arrest on domestic violence charges. Rookies Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan and Gavin Stone were pressed into service with mixed results. The front office failed to address the obvious weakness, acquiring only Lance Lynn at the trade deadline. The collective 4.57 ERA of last year’s starting pitchers was 20th in MLB, the Dodgers’ first time over 4.00 since 2007 and their highest for a regular season since the war-time Brooklyn Dodgers of 1944 finished with a 4.78 ERA from their starters, the highest in the then 16-team big leagues. The deficiency took center stage in the postseason. Kershaw, Lynn and Miller combined to allow 13 runs in just 4⅔ innings during the Diamondbacks’ three-game sweep of the Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW
The Dodgers gave the rotation a complete makeover this winter. Miller is the only holdover from last year’s season-ending rotation. It went from the team’s biggest weakness to a strength in the span of 10 days in December. Along with signing free agent Shohei Ohtani (who is…
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