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Dodgers News: Trades Bump Mike Bolsinger Out Of Starting Rotation

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE (July 31, 4:00 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Mike Bolsinger, along with Zach Lee, was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers may have missed out on big-fish Cole Hamels and David Price, but they nonetheless managed to upgrade their starting rotation by acquiring Mat Latos from the Miami Marlins and Alex Wood from the Atlanta Braves in a complex, 13-player trade.



No matter which way it’s sliced, Latos and Wood join Brett Anderson, Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw as the club’s best five starters. After a period of trial and error, the rotation was pieced back together with the emergences of Mike Bolsinger and Carlos Frias.

Although both right-handers filled the voids left by Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu admirably, the Dodgers’ recent transactions don’t bode well for their status as starting pitchers.

Team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed as much for Bolsinger, stating Thursday night he is being removed from the rotation, according to Jon Weisman of Dodger Insider:

We’ve talked to (Mike Bolsinger) and right now he’ll be coming out of the rotation. It’s nothing he’s done — he’s been great for us. He’s done everything we’ve asked and more. … There’s a lot more games to be played, and we expect him to make an impact.”

Frias is currently on the disabled list and scheduled Friday to make a second rehab appearance with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. While Friedman didn’t specifically address Frias, he too figures to suffer the same fate as Bolsinger.

Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for cash considerations, Bolsinger is 5-3 with a 2.83 ERA, 2.84 FIP and 1.24 WHIP over 16 starts (89 innings pitched). He’s managed to toss six innings in just six of his 16 outings, though had one cut short at the end of June due to food poisoning, and another start curtailed due to a lighting delay in Washington.

Bolsinger last started Wednesday night in place of Clayton Kershaw, who was scratched due to hip soreness. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed two runs on eight hits in five innings, walking away with a no-decision in the Dodgers’ come-from-behind win.

After the game Bolsinger largely lamented his performance, criticizing what described as lack of control. Manager Don Mattingly was more optimistic, praising his starter for again keeping the Dodgers in a game. Perhaps tying into Bolsinger not often surpassing six innings in a start, Los Angeles seemingly is mindful of his splits.

Batters the first time through the order are hitting .243/.280/.287 and .218/.292/.290 the second time around. Should Bolsinger face them a third time, opponents’ slash line jumps to .275/.383/.391. It hasn’t yet been determined of Bolsinger will serve as reliever for the Dodgers or a starter with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

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Kiké Hernandez On Dodgers Roster And Trade Rumors

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3 Comments

  1. Bols has pitched really well for us, not sure this is a good move on Dodgers part. Yes Latos is a proven veteren but he’s had his struggles. Bols doesn’t get deep in too many games but his era says it all. Quality starter that doesn’t deserve to be demoted. I think our front office is making desperate moves. U don’t trade burgers for burgers, u trade burgers for steak. No Hamels or Price so life goes on. Hope this doesn’t come back to bite us

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