After another electric start and building off of his recent success, Dodgers starter Dustin May could be reaching the end of his rope in the starting rotation.
As noted last week, May Day is at or near the top of the league in fastball velocity while leading the way in early Rookie of the Year consideration. All the while, he’s walking few batters and has been the most consistent pitcher in the rotation in the early going. However, when manager Dave Roberts was asked if May had shown enough to remain in the rotation even when the injured Alex Wood returns, he was pretty noncommittal.
Dustin’s showing his value to our ballclub. He’s still establishing himself as a big league pitcher … obviously there’s three starts he’s been very good for us, so when that time comes [Wood’s return], we’ll continue to discuss it, but Dustin is certainly doing everything he can.
That got us wondering, what does the ideal Dodger starting rotation look like when everyone is healthy? So we asked you.
Kershaw, Buehler, May, Stripling, Wood
— Gail Johnson ?? (@GJOH29) August 11, 2020
A simple fix that makes a lot of sense. Adding Julio Urias back into the bullpen as a late-inning power arm could play up huge by the time we reach the postseason.
With what we have and not being able to trade for help (because I do think this is the weakest spot on our team)
Walker
May
Kershaw
Stripling
Urias— Ward Henneker (@Bama6895) August 11, 2020
An interesting but fair take from Ward here… is the rotation the weakest spot on the team? Before the start of the season, SportsNet LA anchor John Hartung talked to DodgersNation.com about the upcoming campaign. In that chat, he too identified the rotation as his biggest potential concern for 2020. A Walker Buehler that’s 3 or 4 starts behind the pack. An injury-prone Clayton Kershaw. High expectations for Urias and Wood. Ross Stripling’s first real shot at a rotation spot in two years.
Definitely some question marks.
Clayton 5 times who’s gonna stop me pic.twitter.com/iEdUhdrkeb
— HOT KERSH SUMMER 2?? (@BoyslnBIue) August 11, 2020
Alternatively, all Kershaw, all day, every day.
Buehler
May
Kershaw
Urias
Stripling— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) August 11, 2020
The comments came in quick on this question and the majority include some variation of May, Kershaw, Buehler, and Stripling. The fifth spot included a balanced mix of Urias and Wood with a peppering of Tony Gonsolin.
Final Thoughts
While the Dodgers are once again in the familiar position of a good problem to have, it feels like far too often — especially recently — the decision ends up not being the optimal one while fans suffer through the player-service driven choice. The Doc special also known as the “he’s got some big hits for us in the past” or “he’s pitched some big innings for us” approach.
Well, at the start of this short season, Dustin May is pitching some big innings. And if you ask the fans, he’s earned that spot in the rotation.
