During a February 22 interview before the Dodgers first scheduled Spring Training game, Roberts was asked a number of questions that led to some answers on what to expect come Opening Day.
- Julio Urías will be apart of the starting rotation moving forward. There had been restrictions on Urías that last couple seasons due to a shoulder injury that set him back. It appears finally the training wheels are coming off. The limitations have frustrated some Dodger fans, but 2020 might be his breakout season. It is his job to lose.
Roberts confirmed Julio Urías will be a starter and in the rotation to begin the season.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 22, 2020
The four starters who can be viewed as locks for the rotation are: Kershaw, Buehler, Price, and Urías. Assuming no injuries that leaves just one spot available unless the Dodgers open the season with a six-man rotation, although doesn’t seem plausible at this point in time.
We are left with Alex Wood, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, Jimmy Nelson, and Ross Stripling battling for one spot.
Alex Wood might be viewed as the front runner right now because he has the most experience with the Dodgers and showed the highest ceiling. He signed with the Dodgers in the offseason with intentions of being a full-time starter. He would be the 4th left-handed starter in the rotation.
The Dodgers are also allowing Tony Gonsolin to get Spring Training starts early on. Last season he showed just how effective he can be as a starting pitcher. However, it appears Roberts isn’t too high on Gonsolin early on. They are viewing him as another Ross Stripling where he will come out of the bullpen and make spot starts early on. Gonsolin was left off the postseason roster in 2019.
Tony Gonsolin viewed more as a swingman who could make the club as a reliever.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 22, 2020
The Dodgers view Dustin May as a starting pitcher. There’s no urgency to have him starting big league games in March and April. He is likely going to start the season in AAA where he can receive the final polishes in his development. Look for May to make a huge impact later in the season.
May being viewed as a starter, an indication he'll begin the season in the Minor Leagues.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 22, 2020
Jimmy Nelson is known as being a starting pitcher as well, but since he’s coming off a shoulder surgery, the Dodgers are most likely going to ease him back in throughout 2020. He might make a start occasionally, but it is best for his long-term career and the Dodgers for him to replicate a role that Brandon Morrow filled in 2017.
Finally, Ross Stripling has a decent outside shot to crack the rotation as well. Though the odds are stacked against him, if he manages to have a really strong Spring Training to go along with some teammates being injured or just pitching poorly, Roberts might choose the veteran Stripling, who would add a second right-handed arm to the rotation. Stripling was an All-Star in 2018.
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(photo credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)