The Dodgers’ pitching depth gives Dave Roberts limitless options in the rotation and bullpen. Ross Stripling, who is out of the rotation mix for now, is among those competing for a relief role.
Stripling might make the team as long relief, according to Roberts.
Roberts said Ross Stripling is in the mix for bullpen spot.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 13, 2017
Related: a 25-man roster spot is open for a long reliever, and Dave Roberts said today that Ross Stripling is in the mix.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) March 13, 2017
Stripling flashed potential in a few moments last season, specifically in his electrifying debut. He took a no-hitter into the 8th inning before Roberts pulled the plug, largely due to pitch count and Stripling’s fourth walk of the night.
With that debut, he was the first pitcher since 1913 to debut allowing no hits past the third inning. He does have a no-hitter in his career, but it came at Texas A&M.
[graphiq id=”6Ox64COpw0d” title=”Ross Stripling” width=”500″ height=”810″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/6Ox64COpw0d” ]
Stripling was one of the Dodgers’ better prospects before getting mauled by injuries. He pitched out of necessity last year, while the team can hold him in Triple-A this time around.
But Stripling may be best served in the bullpen. It’s hard to imagine him securing a spot in the long-term rotation, so perhaps the ‘pen can be a permanent role. If he excels, the team again has choices to make.
It’s promising for Roberts to mention Stripling in that light. If things continue smoothly, he might be ticketed for Chavez Ravine.
[button color=”red” size=”big” alignment=”center” rel=”follow” openin=”newwindow” url=”https://dodgersnation.com/dodgers-news-former-dodger-manny-ramirez-odd-perks-new-contract-tv0216/2017/03/13/”]It’s nice to know Manny is still being Manny[/button]
