While Alex Wood finished last season in the bullpen, he reported to Spring Training among the pitchers vying for the two available spots in the starting rotation. Once Hyun-Jin Ryu was tapped as a starter, Brandon McCarthy and Wood were left to compete for the fifth starter’s job.
That broke in McCarthy’s favor, in part due to Wood’s experience and success as a reliever. His time in the bullpen did not last long, however. Rich Hill’s chronic blister trouble has put Wood in the rotation — twice.
On Monday the 26-year-old made a third consecutive start. Wood only went five innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he finished with a season-high 11 strikeouts.