In Need of Pitching

Photo Credit: John Soohoo

The Dodgers have been bitten by the injury bug this spring. First it was Jansen, then Ryu, and now League. League was a favorite to take over the closer role while Jansen was out, not a popular choice if you ask Dodger fans but his numbers were very good last year. Now with both League and Jansen out the Dodgers might have to rely on new faces. Joel Peralta (acquired from the Rays) was hurt in the beginning of camp but now seems to be on track to be on the Opening Day roster. Dustin McCown seems to be another viable bullpen arm, along with David Aardsma (both signed minor league contracts at the start of mapping training). Joe Weiland (squired from the Padres) and Chris Hatcher (aquired from the Marlins) are having solid springs and have a good shot at starting the MLB season in the bullpen, though Weiland is also being looked at to fill in for Ryu. Ex White Soxs and Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos (also under minor league contract) has turned some heads and has shown that he might still have MLB closer quality "stuff." These new faces along with some young faces that we saw last year in the majors bullpe; Yimi Garcia, Carlos Frias, and Pedro Baez, are battling for bullpen spots as right handed relievers. On the left side it's down to 3 possible candidates; J.P Howell, Paco Rodriguez, and Adam Liberatore for 2 or 1 (last season Dodgers opened the season with only J.P Howell as their lone lefty in the pen) spot. 

As for the Ryu situation, he will start the season on the DL. Dodgers are saying that they are trying to aquire a back of the rotation starter. Possible candidates include two Orioles in Ubaldo Jimenez and Miguel Gonzalez, Gavin Floyd (now with the Indians), and Tanner Roark. Some in house options include: Juan Nicasio, Joe Weiland, Erik Bedard (minor league contract), and Zac Lee.