2019 MLB Season: Finding the Teams ‘In Discussion’ for Dallas Keuchel
By Manny Gómez
Los Angeles Dodgers
Like the Braves, when it comes to pitching the Los Angeles Dodgers have been suffering from a case of what we Dominicans call “Fukú,” a curse.
After receiving an extension from the Dodgers, perhaps the greatest pitcher in a generation, Clayton Kershaw was shut down and later placed on the 10-day Injured List (IL) after suffering from left shoulder inflammation. Postseason hero Walker Buehler also dealt with shoulder issues this Spring. He, however, started in today’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Finally, there’s Rich Hill who has found a second career with the Dodgers. Hill isn’t expected to make a start for Los Angeles until the end of April due to a left knee sprain.
The Dodgers are in a precarious situation. With Kershaw seemingly unable to pitch a full season, the window to get the lefty a World Series ring may soon start to close.
In two consecutive tries, the Dodgers have lost in the World Series. First to the Houston Astros in 2017 and then to the Boston Red Sox in 2018. If L.A. wants to have another go at it, they’ll need to remedy their pitching woes by adding a pitcher from free agency.
That guy might just have to be… you guessed it… Dallas Keuchel.
The Dodgers don’t have the flexibility that the Braves have. In fact, L.A. has the fourth largest payroll in baseball at just under $200M. Also, unlike the Braves, the Ball Park Factors don’t favor the Dodgers either.
Notoriously known as a hitter-friendly ballpark, Keuchel might provide the Dodgers with an attribute that many of their pitchers lack. You’ve heard it before, you’ll hear it again: the ability to induce grounders.
Dallas Keuchel not only ranks 1st in GB%, but he also allows very few HRs too. In fact, he ranked 9th in MLB in HR/9 (0.79) in 2018, which should attract the Dodgers.
If they sleep at the wheel, then this team should consider a reunion…