Dodgers’ Former Top Prospect Starting Pitchers Could Move to Bullpen: A Shift in Strategy for Los Angeles’ Pitching Staff
The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to making bold moves, particularly when it comes to optimizing their pitching staff. With the team aiming to compete for championships year after year, they continually evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their roster. One of the more intriguing developments in recent weeks has been the potential move of several former top pitching prospects from the starting rotation to the bullpen. While the Dodgers’ pitching staff has long been one of the most formidable in Major League Baseball (MLB), this shift is raising questions about the team’s overall strategy moving forward.
As the Dodgers look to fine-tune their roster and maximize performance in 2024 and beyond, it appears that the organization is exploring all options, especially when it comes to reshaping its pitching hierarchy. The idea of moving former top prospects — once considered future aces of the rotation — to the bullpen has the potential to reshape the Dodgers’ pitching staff and alter the dynamics of their pitching depth.
The Starting Rotation Dilemma
The Dodgers have long been a model of pitching excellence, with a history of producing and developing elite starting pitchers. From Clayton Kershaw to Walker Buehler to Julio Urías, the team has boasted an enviable list of arms over the years. But even with the team’s deep pitching pool, they find themselves at a crossroads with their rotation in 2024.
A key issue facing the Dodgers’ starting rotation is the increasing unpredictability of some of their younger pitchers who were once touted as future stars. Whether it’s struggles with consistency, injuries, or simply a need to refine their approach at the MLB level, some former top prospects have shown that they may not be ready for a full-time role in the starting rotation. As a result, the Dodgers are now considering the possibility of moving some of these pitchers to the bullpen, where they may be better suited to contribute in shorter bursts.
While a bullpen role is typically less glamorous than being a part of the starting rotation, it could provide these pitchers with a chance to thrive in a more defined and less stressful role. The Dodgers have made successful bullpen conversions in the past, and this strategy could help bring out the best in some of their top arms.
The Case for Moving Former Top Prospects to the Bullpen
Several factors are driving the Dodgers’ potential move to shift starting pitchers to bullpen roles. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main reasons behind this decision:
1. Inconsistency from Younger Starters
A number of pitchers who were once considered top prospects have struggled with consistency at the MLB level. For some of them, the transition from the minor leagues to the majors has been difficult, with issues like command problems, pitch selection, and difficulty going deep into games. While they’ve flashed moments of brilliance, they’ve also shown significant signs of growing pains that make them unreliable in a starting role.
The Dodgers’ front office has been open to experimenting with the usage of their young arms, knowing that not every pitcher will fit into the mold of a traditional starting role. By moving these pitchers to the bullpen, the team hopes to get the most out of their arms by allowing them to focus on a smaller, more manageable workload. This could help alleviate the pressure that comes with being a starting pitcher, allowing these players to settle into their role and regain their confidence.
2. Maximizing the Power Arm in Short Bursts
One of the key reasons the Dodgers may be considering bullpen assignments for former top prospects is the idea of maximizing their power arms in shorter bursts. Many pitchers who struggle to maintain their performance over the course of a full start find success in one-inning or multi-inning relief roles. Shorter outings, where pitchers can focus on one or two high-leverage innings, often provide an opportunity to showcase raw talent and maximize velocity.
In a bullpen role, pitchers can throw with less caution and let their best stuff fly, knowing that they don’t need to pace themselves for multiple innings. For teams like the Dodgers, who have a deep and versatile bullpen, shifting struggling starting pitchers to the relief corps can be an effective way to utilize their talents in a way that maximizes their potential.
3. Depth and Flexibility
By moving some of their top pitching prospects into the bullpen, the Dodgers are improving their pitching depth and adding more flexibility to their roster. The ability to go to a former starting pitcher out of the bullpen in key situations adds a layer of versatility to their relief corps. This shift could also allow the team to monitor the pitcher’s workload more effectively, reducing the risk of injury and allowing them to contribute in high-leverage situations.
Injuries are always a concern in baseball, and depth in the bullpen can be the difference between a postseason run and a missed opportunity. By transitioning some of their former top pitching prospects to the bullpen, the Dodgers are creating a flexible staff that can be adjusted based on matchups and the needs of the team throughout the season.
4. Learning from Past Successes
The Dodgers have a proven track record of turning struggling starters into effective bullpen arms. Over the years, they have successfully converted pitchers like Chris Taylor, Joe Kelly, and even Kenley Jansen from former starters into integral pieces of the bullpen. These transitions have helped the team solidify their bullpen and deepen their pitching staff, all while allowing the pitchers to thrive in a more defined role.
This history of success with bullpen conversions gives the Dodgers confidence in their ability to make similar moves in the future. The front office’s commitment to player development and their willingness to experiment with pitchers who might not fit the traditional starter mold has already paid off in years past. If the Dodgers can find similar success with their former top prospects, it would further solidify the team’s position as a powerhouse in the MLB.
5. Health Concerns
In some cases, injuries or workload concerns may also play a role in the decision to move a pitcher to the bullpen. Starters are often required to throw long innings and deal with increased physical strain, which can sometimes lead to arm injuries or fatigue. By moving pitchers with a history of injuries to the bullpen, the Dodgers can better manage their workload and reduce the chances of reinjury. This move could also help keep pitchers fresh for the duration of the season and provide them with an opportunity to be more effective without pushing their bodies too hard.
Key Candidates for the Bullpen Shift
Several former top pitching prospects for the Dodgers could be on the verge of moving from the starting rotation to the bullpen. Here are a few names that could be affected by this potential transition:
1. Dustin May
Dustin May has long been considered one of the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects. His electric stuff, including a devastating fastball, has made him a candidate for future ace status. However, May has struggled with injuries in recent years, and while he’s shown flashes of brilliance as a starter, his durability has come into question. If May can’t consistently stay healthy in the starting rotation, the Dodgers may choose to move him to the bullpen, where his high-velocity offerings could be maximized over shorter appearances.
2. Tony Gonsolin
Tony Gonsolin has been an intriguing case for the Dodgers. He burst onto the scene with a series of dominant performances but has struggled with consistency and injuries. While Gonsolin has the stuff to be a quality starter, his inability to stay on the mound and provide consistent innings could make him an option for a bullpen role. If the Dodgers decide that Gonsolin isn’t able to go deep into games, a move to the bullpen could be beneficial for both him and the team.
3. Bobby Miller
Bobby Miller is another former top prospect whose future in the rotation is still in question. He possesses one of the best fastballs in the Dodgers’ organization, but he has had trouble putting everything together as a starter. Miller has been hit-or-miss at the MLB level, and a bullpen role could allow him to focus on his best pitch and let loose in a high-leverage role. The Dodgers have always been high on his potential, and a move to the bullpen could be the perfect opportunity to maximize his impact.