The Los Angeles Dodgers may be on the verge of moving pitcher Eric Lauver to the bullpen, a potential shift that highlights the team’s evolving roster strategies and the challenges posed by Shohei Ohtani’s injury. The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the Dodgers’ six-man starting rotation has intensified, with Lauver currently slated to be the odd pitcher out.
Dodgers’ Pitching Rotation Under Strain
Recent adjustments to the Dodgers’ pitching staff have created a complex situation. The team optioned pitcher Emmet Sheehan to Triple-A and recalled several other pitchers, including Blake Snell, Cesar Hernandez, and Charlie Vance. This reshuffling has led to Lauver being designated as the starter for the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals on April 13th. However, the viability of maintaining a six-man rotation is in question.
The core issue lies in the limited roster size for major league pitchers, which is capped at 13. When Shohei Ohtani was actively pitching and hitting, the Dodgers could effectively utilize eight relief pitchers in a 13-man roster by designating Ohtani as a hitter only on days he wasn’t scheduled to pitch. This practice, often referred to as the ‘Ohtani Rule,’ allowed the team to carry an extra arm in the bullpen during stretches of games. While some teams criticized this as a ‘special case’ usage, the Dodgers embraced it.
Ohtani’s Injury Creates New Challenges
The landscape changed significantly when Ohtani began experiencing knee pain in early May, preventing him from taking the mound. This absence means the Dodgers must now operate under the same conditions as other teams, requiring them to manage their 13-man pitching roster without the luxury of the ‘Ohtani Rule.’ Consequently, the team faces the prospect of needing seven relievers to cover a 13-game stretch if they maintain a six-man starting rotation.
This situation presents a significant strategic hurdle for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. The team’s pitching performance has notably declined since Ohtani’s removal from the pitching rotation. Before Ohtani’s injury, the Dodgers’ team ERA was 3.74 (10th in MLB) and their FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) was 3.63 (5th), with a walk rate of 9.9% (19th). However, since Ohtani stopped pitching, the team’s ERA has ballooned to 4.75 (24th in MLB) and their FIP to 4.82 (28th), with a walk rate of 13.3% (last place).
Lauver’s Potential Move to Bullpen
To maximize their chances of success during this 13-game stretch, the Dodgers aim to carry as many relief pitchers as possible. Eric Lauver is emerging as a strong candidate for a bullpen role. According to reports from True Blue LA (TBL), a source covering the Dodgers, there was an initial plan for Lauver to transition to the bullpen when the team acquired relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol. However, Sheehan’s demotion to the minor leagues altered those plans.
TBL further elaborated that the Dodgers will incur additional costs each time they implement a six-man rotation while Ohtani is unable to pitch. These costs are expected to be a crucial factor in future decisions. The Dodgers are reportedly evaluating their strategy following the April 13th game against Kansas City.
Manager Dave Roberts stated, “We plan to finalize our approach to mound operations after Lauver pitches against Kansas City.”
Lauver’s Season So Far
Lauver began the season with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he generated controversy with public comments about the team’s opener strategy. During his time in Toronto, he posted a 1-5 record with a 6.69 ERA. He was then traded to the Dodgers in late May.
Since joining the Dodgers and settling into a starting role within their six-man rotation, Lauver has shown improved performance, achieving a 5-1 record with a 3.72 ERA. This stability in the starting rotation seemed to benefit Lauver.
However, Ohtani’s absence, the increased bullpen workload, and the impending returns of key pitchers like Tyler Glasnow (who is nearing his return from injury) and other factors are likely influencing the Dodgers’ decisions regarding Lauver’s role and the overall pitching strategy for the remainder of the season.
The team’s management is carefully considering how to best utilize their pitching resources to navigate the challenges ahead, with Lauver’s potential move to the bullpen being a significant point of discussion.
