Dodgers Rotation: Carlos Frias May Not Make Next Start

The Carlos Frias thing has been going on for longer than I imagined. The hard throwing right-hander has worked hard and pitched admirably for the Dodgers after Hyun-jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy went down with injury early in the season. Unfortunately, Frias may not be able to make his next scheduled start due to lower back problems.

Frias had an MRI which showed no structural damage, but he still has been battling back stiffness. Frias was able to throw a bullpen session on Friday. His next start is slated for Monday versus Philadelphia.

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Don Mattingly mentioned Ian Thomas as a possible spot starter should Frias not be able to go on Monday, but let’s not forget that the Dodgers just signed Trevor Cahill to a minor league deal. Even though Cahill will need some time to get back into the groove after not pitching for awhile, an injury to Frias or any other member of the rotation makes the inevitable Cahill start that much closer.

How about that Zach Lee? Lee, who had tingling in his fingers, is still rehabbing. If he can get back to Oklahoma City and stay healthy, I don’t see any reason not to give the 23-year old a shot at least at a spot start should Frias be out for longer than a game or two.

So far in 2015, Lee is 5-3 with a 2.38 ERA and 44 strikeouts and 12 walks in 10 starts and 56 2/3 innings with the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

With the first half wrapping up after the current homestand concludes, the Dodgers will need to figure out what they are to do about the rotation in the second half. Depending on Carlos Frias, Brandon Beachy or Ian Thomas does not seem like a solid plan for a team looking to defend their N.L. division title. The Dodgers are going to need another pitcher… or two.

Carlos Frias has pitched in 14 games (12 starts) for the Dodgers this year. He is 5-5 with a 4.39 ERA and 40 strikeouts and 24 walks in 69 2/3 innings.