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Kenta Maeda is coming off his best start with the Dodgers, and also coming off an extended rest period, missing two weeks on the disabled list with what was termed hamstring tightness by the team. With his start on Thursday against the Cardinals, the Dodgers could be back to a relatively normal starting rotation their next few trips through.
The first seven weeks of this season has seen the Dodgers juggle six and sometimes seven starting pitchers through five slots. To date, only 15 of 47 Dodgers starts have come on four days rest, and five of those have been Clayton Kershaw.
The rest of the staff has been slotting in whenever possible. Five of the seven starters have taken turns either on the disabled list or in the minors, and a sixth — Alex Wood — spent time in the bullpen.
But with Urias in Triple-A for the moment trying to fix what ails him, news came Wednesday that Hyun-jin Ryu won’t be starting anytime soon:
Roberts would not say when Ryu would pitch again.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 24, 2017
Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch again this season, Dave Roberts said. But not this weekend against the Cubs. Possibly next week on the road.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) May 24, 2017
#Dodgers Dave Roberts couldn't say when Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch again. Did say a temporary role in long relief "has been discussed "
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 24, 2017
#Dodgers considering using Ryu in long relief. Hesitation is he's never done it before.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 24, 2017
Roberts said there is concern about Ryu adjusting to change of routine necessary for relief.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 24, 2017
Depending on how things shake out, the next few weeks has the potential to look almost like a normal, five-man starting rotation.
But you know what they say about making plans.
Game info
Time: 7:10 p.m. PT
TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network