The Los Angeles Dodgers have largely had issues with their bullpen, but some news regarding their starting rotation creates some doubt heading into spring training. They added another starter perhaps as a result.
Starting pitcher Zack Greinke received a lubricating injection in his right elbow on Thursday and is being held back from throwing bullpen sessions in spring training, according to ESPN's Mark Saxon. Although the team claims this is part of Greinke's normal spring routine, it's not great news for him or the team.
On top of speculation of the right-hander opting out of his contract following the 2015 season, the Dodgers will now have to face elbow issues that have persisted for Greinke "for several years now." The 31-year-old said, "It'll probably be something I have to deal with again this year, but it hasn't been a big issue."
Nonetheless, any concerns regarding a pitcher's elbow are never promising, especially when heading into second half of one's career. The news doesn't entirely help Greinke's case for possibly opting out with the Dodgers to receive a bigger deal.
As a result, the Los Angeles has signed starter Brandon Beachy, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, but he's likely to start the season on the disabled list because he's continuing to recover from his second Tommy John surgery. Rosenthal notes the deal is for one year with a team option for 2016, which makes Beachy a candidate for the starting rotation if he's healthy throughout the contract.
Greinke and fellow starter Brett Anderson could become free agents after the season and the Dodgers need to start looking ahead. Also, Anderson has been injury prone for much of his career, so Beachy's signing is likely to act as insurance as well.
Beachy spent his entire four-year career with the Atlanta Braves before he was non-tendered this offseason. The right-hander owns a 14-11 record with a 3.23 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 275 strikeouts in 46 starts (267 2/3 innings). It's also a possibility the Dodgers use him in the bullpen this season because of their struggles in 2014 along with Kenley Jansen's recent foot surgery.
The new-look Dodgers hope to rebound in 2015 after an early exit from the postseason in 2014.
