Dodgers News: Starting Rotation Set For Next Five Games
The Los Angeles Dodgers had to plan accordingly on Wednesday, once management received the news that Mat Latos had to be scratched from his start with a stiff neck. Thanks to the 40-man roster expansion, Joe Wieland received the start in a role that he understood upon his call up to the Major League level.
Another aspect of the situation that called for an adjustment to the rotation was the unexpected injury to Brett Anderson. The workhorse, who has so far proven that he has evaded his injury-prone reputation, suffered a minor setback in his previous start on September 6. After putting forth another quality outing, the pitcher appeared to have suffered a cramp on his left calf, causing him to immediately exit the game. After being taken out, he remained with his teammates on the bench, displaying that the injury wasn’t anything that should be taken seriously.
The decision to scratch Latos and rest Anderson eventually ended up having an effect on the rotation for the next five games, involving the Dodgers ultimately deciding that another spot start might be necessary for the ball club. According to Steve Bourbon of MLB.com, the rotation for the next five games could be a glimpse into the rotation for the rest of the regular season:
Alex Wood starts on Friday with an extra day of rest, Mike Bolsinger slides into the rotation Saturday with three extra days of rest, followed by Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. Brett Anderson will start on Tuesday, nine days after he was pulled with a cramping left calf.”
Manager Don Mattingly clarified the decision to put Anderson in the back of the rotation. Not only was it a precautionary measure for Anderson, who has made 27 starts and pitched 158 innings this season, but also as a way to set up the left-handed pitchers in the series against the Colorado Rockies.
The well-thought out decision now allows pitcher Mike Bolsinger to make another start for his team. Seeing that Bolsinger was a Diamondback last season, the right-handed pitcher does have familiarity with the ballpark.
In five games started, he is 0-1, with a 3.46 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. His last start at Chase Field came as a Dodger, on June 29, where he had an outstanding start before leaving with an illness. In four innings pitched, Bolsinger surrendered just three hits, zero walks, and zero earned runs, showing that he can succeed when given the chance.
Mike Bolsinger deserves this start and he has been a real find for the Dodgers this year. I expect another good outing (against his former team he will be at his best) and for Bolsinger to be a big part of the rest of the season! He seems to have matured and continues to be a really good pitcher for LA! Latos except for one outing against the Angels has not been good at all, and on this team Bolsinger has proven to be a much better option!