In 2016, the Dodgers had to use a record 15 different starting pitchers during the regular season and were able to make it all the way to the NLCS. Last year, Austin Barnes, Chris Taylor, Brandon Morrow, and Cody Bellinger came out of nowhere and helped propel the team to within one victory of a World Series title. But as impressive as those years were, this year may be the most.
The ‘next man up’ mentality has been the mantra of the Dodgers since Andrew Friedman took over the franchise. He prioritizes depth, and affordable at that, over high-priced star power.