The Los Angeles Dodgers began the season with a surplus of starting pitchers, which squeezed Alex Wood out of the rotation and into the bullpen. Wood figured to be the first candidate in line for a spot start if and when an injury arose.
His opportunity was created by Rich Hill’s early trouble this season with the chronic blister on the middle finger of his left hand. Wood was briefly in and out bullpen as Hill returned from the disabled list, only to land back on the DL a second time.
While others in the rotation not named Clayton Kershaw have encountered their various troubles and struggles with consistency, Wood has dominated.