While the Los Angeles Dodgers were down to deciding between Brandon McCarthy and Alex Wood for the final spot in their starting rotation, the odds appeared to be tilted in McCarthy’s favor. Wood, unlike the right-hander, had notable experience pitching out of the bullpen.
Thus, the Dodgers began the season with a rotation comprised of Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Rich Hill, McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu. Wood was placed in the bullpen as a long reliever.
But injuries and the team’s willingness to exercise extreme caution and utilize the 10-day disabled list has turned the rotation into a group of whichever five starters are available for any stretch of time.