Dodgers shuffle starting rotation after off day

ANAHEIM -- The Dodgers already made one pitching change with Joe Wieland getting a spot start against the Angels on Wednesday for Mat Latos, the latter dealing with neck stiffness. But after Thursday's off day the Dodgers will shuffle the rotation a little more.

Alex Wood gets the start on Friday against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix, followed by Mike Bolsinger against his old team on Saturday, his second spot start since getting called back up the majors on Sept. 1. Brett Anderson, who left his Sunday start in San Diego in the sixth inning with a left calf cramp, will be pushed back to Tuesday when the Dodgers are back home in the second game against the Rockies.

Anderson said he feels fine, but has also made 27 starts and pitched 158 innings, eight more starts and 35 more innings he had in the previous three seasons combined.

"I don't think Brett really wanted it, but for us it made the most sense. Going into the year, we were worried about the number of starts, the number of innings," manager Don Mattingly said. "With this opportunity, and the fact that the calf shows up at all, it gives him a few extra days. It allows up to set up the lefties against Colorado."

Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw will stay in order, pitching Sunday and Monday respectively, each, like Wood, on five days rest this time through the order thanks to Thursday's off day.

Wood is slated for the final game of the Rockies series on Wednesday, throwing three southpaws against Colorado.

Mattingly wouldn't commit to a rotation plan beyond the Rockies series, but noted the hierarchy of the starters going forward.

"We've got to prioritize our guys," Mattingly said. "We'll use Mat and Bols to matchup the best we can."