Dodgers

Dodgers: Failed Ross Stripling Trade Could Be Huge For LA This Season

The failed February trade that would’ve sent Ross Stripling to the Angels along with Joc Pederson for infielder Luis Rengifo could be one of the best trades the Dodgers DIDN’T make. Stripling would easily slot into the starting rotation of most other teams,  but with the Dodgers’ depth, he’s bounced between roles quite a lot.

Ross Stripling has given everything the Dodgers could possibly ask of him. Since his debut in 2016, Stripling has quietly put up some great numbers while being shuffled between the starting rotation and the bullpen. He owns a career 3.51 ERA over 387 career innings the past four seasons. 

Stripling may not be a fireball hurler that many pitchers in today’s game seem to be, but he induces a ton of ground balls that have no problem getting fielded by the Dodgers efficient infield defense. 

Where he fits in this year is tough as the Dodgers again have the usual issue of more options than rotation spots. Dave Roberts had recently announced a rotation of  Kershaw, Buehler, Price, Urías, and Wood before the virus had shut down baseball for the time being. Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Jimmy Nelson, and Stripling make up the other four options looking in. 

Once the season is able to finally start up again Stripling could go back to the swingman role that he has excelled at or if one of the staters isn’t ready to go or gets injured Stripling can immediately fill in the hole.

While the other three of May, Gonsolin, and Nelson are talented in their own rights, Stripling is coming off great back-to-back seasons. Last year in a combined 32 games between the bullpen and 15 starts he accumulated a 3.47 ERa and 4.65 K/BB. Just two years ago he produced his best season which earned him his first All-Star selection and we can’t forget his debut in which he almost no-hit the San Francisco Giants before Dave Roberts pulled him due to his pitch count and recent Tommy John surgery.

His presence on the team is crucial this year as although the season may be shortened, there will be fewer days off which could and most likely will expand the rotation to six. Stripling will be vital as he will be called on to help spread the load and give the other starters needed rest. 

The Dodgers dodged a bullet with that failed trade. No matter what role Stripling will have during this hopeful 2020 season, he’ll embrace it and run away with it. Dodgers fans sure are happy that he’s still a member of the team as he has been a fan favorite with many people, whether they embrace his “Chicken Strip” nickname, his Big Swing podcast, or the talent that he brings when he steps on the mound sporting that Dodger blue. 

Adam Salcido

“That is the way this game is -- you win, you lose, you celebrate and you suffer.” -- Vin Scully
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