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After committing $220.7 million to secure Zack Greinke and Hyun Jin Ryu, the Dodgers have eight starting pitchers under contract heading into the new year.
Clayton Keshaw anchors the rotation that features Josh Beckett along with the off-season acquisitions.
The final spot in the rotation is tricky. Chad Billingsley was shut down in late-August after partially tearing a ligament in his right elbow. According to reports, he’ll be ready for Spring Training. If so, he’ll be penciled somewhere along with Beckett and Ryu behind Kershaw and Greinke.
If Billingsley is healthy, that leaves Ted Lilly, Aaron Harang, and Chris Capuano out of the rotation.
Lilly started 2012 by winning five of six decisions before injuries halted his season in late May. After his body failed to respond to rest, the lefty had surgery in September on his throwing shoulder. In the final season of a 3-year $33 million contract that includes a no-trade clause, Lilly, if healthy, will be on the roster.
Capuano (12-12, 3.72), and Harang, (10-10, 3.61) present more of a dilemma. As veterans, both are out of options and would refuse demotion to the minor leagues. Neither figures to be excited about bullpen duty. Capuano has started 189 of his 214 major league contests, while Harang has made only six relief appearances in 299 games.
With many teams in need of a reliable fourth or fifth starter, trading Capuano or Harang should prove easy. Moving them could address needs for a fourth outfielder, backup catcher, and left-handed reliever.
After a busy off-season, look for the Dodgers to make at least one more move before the start of Spring Training.
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