Dodgers News: Time To Welcome Ted Lilly Back To the Rotation
Well this won’t make many Dodgers fans happy, but starter Ted Lilly sounds like he’s ready to re-join the rotation after a rehab start yesterday.
Lilly tossed five innings allowing four runs on five hits and he reported no issues with his strained rib cage. According to Steve Dilbeck of the LA Times, Lilly could return next week:
“I don’t think so,” Lilly said. “I mean, I’m healthy.”
Lilly was referring to the idea that he might need another rehab start, but the veteran left-hander sounds like he’s good to go. So far this season, Lilly is 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA after undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason.
With the Dodgers rotation adding Zack Greinke and losing Josh Beckett, Lilly would take Matt Magill’s rotation spot once he gets the go ahead from Dodgers trainers.
It’ll be interesting to see how Lilly is received since he’s been an utter disappointment in the two plus years he’s spent with the Dodgers. The lefty is known better for the long home runs he gives up rather then the quality starts that he makes.
However, the Dodgers need Lilly to produce and he’s better than any other option they have for the rotation. Lilly won’t blow a fastball by anybody, but his off-speed stuff is still good enough to keep hitters off balance.
For as much slack as he takes, Lilly is a key for the Dodgers since they’ve lost most of their rotational depth to injury. Lilly won’t light up the radar gun, but he’s going to need to win some games if the Dodgers are going to recover after their rough start.
