Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Announces First 4 Starting Pitchers For 2023 Season
On Friday, the Dodgers announced that LHP Julio Urias would be getting the Opening Day nod for the first time in his career. It’s extremely exciting for Urias, as he checks another accomplishment off his bucket list as the Dodgers Opening Day starter.
Shortly after the announcement, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to the media, and revealed what the rest of the rotation will look like.
After Urias, it’s going to be Dustin May, then Clayton Kershaw, then Noah Syndergaard and, finally, either Ryan Pepiot or Michael Grove. Roberts said he already informed the players regarding the No. 5 starter spot, but didn’t want to tell the media yet (per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register).
The reason for Kershaw not starting the second game is because Roberts wanted to alternate righties and lefties. But, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where you are in the rotation.
So, this is how the rotation is going to shake up at least for the first few weeks, until RHP Tony Gonsolin can return from his ankle injury. He’ll then replace the Pepiot/Grove spot, and those guys will continue to go up and down when the Dodgers need spot starts.
The Dodgers open the season on March 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and play their first six games at home. So, fans will get the opportunity to see every one of their starting pitchers during the team’s first homestand.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
It doesn’t really matter who the starting five are? The bullpen and closers, along with Robert’s notorious, yanking of pitchers, when they are doing a fantastic job, will negate all the 5’s hard work.