Dodgers News: Michael Grove to Get ‘Every Opportunity’ to Earn Postseason Roster Spot
Entering the final week of the regular season, Michael Grove is trying to earn a spot on the Dodgers postseason roster. While the rookie right-hander has spent more time on the IL than on the major league roster this season, the Dodgers plan to pitch Grove frequently until the regular season ends, giving the promising rookie every opportunity to prove himself.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke about the plan for the pitcher ahead of Friday’s game against the Giants.
“We’re going to give Michael every opportunity. What we’ve seen from him this year, he’s been great. He does something different — it’s a different throw, it’s a plus slider with a fastball so he’s unique in that sense. He’s going to get every opportunity.”
Via Bill Plunkett, OC Register
Grove could be a wicked weapon out of the Dodger bullpen during the postseason. Trained as a starter, Grove can pitch multiple innings. He has a different look from either Clayton Kershaw or Lance Lynn, so the opposition will have difficulty adjusting to Grove.
When Grove’s changeup is working, he is almost unhittable. This postseason the Dodgers will rely on their phenomenal rookies to have success. Bobby Miller is the only traditional starter, and he made his major league debut in early June.
Kershaw has a balky shoulder limiting his velocity and sometimes his famous command. The Dodgers understand Kershaw can’t pitch longer than five innings without risking injuring the shoulder further.
Lynn has allowed more than forty home runs this season, and Dave Roberts won’t let him go longer than five innings in the postseason since quickly, Lynn can lose the game.
The Dodgers understand they need multiple different looks in the bullpen to have much success. Grove can help them with this.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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!
