Kiké Hernandez, CF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Justin Turner, 3B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Alex Guerrero, LF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
A.J. Ellis, C
Brett Anderson, P
By Jon Weisman
With neither Mike Bolsinger nor Carlos Frias having reached six innings in a game since June 8-9, the Dodgers are prepared to separate them in the starting rotation so that the innings don’t pile up on the bullpen, Don Mattingly told reporters today.
The split wouldn’t happen until after the All-Star Break, Mattingly said, adding that Frias, who was reportedly suffering from back tightness during his 98-pitch, five-inning outing Tuesday, is expected to make his next start. Either Frias or Bolsinger would go in between Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke.
After the All-Star Break is also when the Dodgers could be close to bringing Brandon Beachy into the starting rotation. Beachy, who is taking the mound for Oklahoma City in a rehab start as I write this, could have his rehab process complete by then. Entering tonight’s game, he had allowed one run on three hits and four walks in six Triple-A innings, with five strikeouts.
Each Dodger starting pitcher after tonight has two starts left before the break. That would set up Kershaw to take the first start of the second half (July 17 at Washington). Moving the No. 4 or 5 starter after Kershaw would put Greinke in the July 19 game. Of course, with Greinke a lock to get an All-Star invite and Kershaw a strong candidate, the Midsummer Classic would factor into any planning.
Relief pitcher Brandon League has completed his rehab and will come to Los Angeles, where a decision will be made on how he fits in, according to Mattingly.
