Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Lays Out Plan to Replace Injured Michael Grove in the Rotation

The Dodgers have a lot of options.

The Dodgers starting rotation took another hit on Friday when the team placed No. 5 starter Michael Grove on the 15-day injured list. Grove, who suffered an injury during warm ups on Thursday, ended up being removed in the 4th inning, after the groin injury flared up. The team ultimately called it a right groin strain, one that will sideline him for at least the next couple weeks.

The Dodgers selected the contract of RHP Jake Reed and placed RHP Michael Grove on the injured list with a right groin strain.

In order to make room for Reed on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed Ryan Pepiot on the 60-day injured list.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 21, 2023

Grove was in the rotation only because RHP Ryan Pepiot sustained an injury right before the season began. And Pepiot was only going to be in the rotation because RHP Tony Gonsolin sprained an ankle in spring training. However, with Grove on the IL now, the Dodgers could be down to their fourth option in the rotation — or maybe back to their first.

What are the Options?

The Dodgers have four main options to replace Grove in the rotation:

1. Tony Gonsolin:

The Dodgers could bring Gonsolin back slightly sooner than anticipated after making just one rehab start in Triple-A. He threw 57 pitches on Thursday, which means he could be built up to go around four innings or so and then hand it off to the bullpen.

2. Andre Jackson into Bullpen Game

The Dodgers could start the young Jackson, who could give them around two or three innings. Then, they could hand it off to the bullpen for the rest of the game.

3. Gavin Stone into Bullpen Game

While it seems unlikely, there is a chance the Dodgers call up top pitching prospect Gavin Stone, and let him go a few innings before going to the bullpen.

4. Skip the No. 5 Spot in the Rotation

The Dodgers have a day off on Monday so, technically, they don't need to have five starters this week. They could use the day off to get everyone on full rest, and continue the rotation as is.

What Has Dave Roberts Said?

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has spoken a lot about this situation over the past 24 hours. We thought it would be helpful to tell you everything he's said, so you can get a sense of what the Dodgers' options are.

Let's start with what he said on Gonsolin:

"He’s part of the conversation," Roberts said. "If we have to pivot on the rehab and get him active, we’ll do that. But whatever decision, we want to make sure that he’s not in harms way."

“I think that’s his goal in life to be a major league shortstop.” Dave Roberts commends Mookie for his effort and professionalism on SNLA. pic.twitter.com/3zFKJ1yA0c

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 21, 2023

On Friday, Roberts made it clear that Gonsolin's return could depend on who's available in the bullpen. If the bullpen is well-rested, they won't need to rush back Gonsolin.

How about Jackson?

"No, no," Roberts said. "I think that where he's at, we're still probably going to use him in the next handful of days."

"James is earning good pitches in the strike zone because he's done a great job of laying off pitches out of the strike zone." Dave Roberts praises James Outman for his fantastic play as a rookie. pic.twitter.com/vJSM0DpLKs

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 21, 2023

Okay, we can cross Jackson off the list. How about Stone?

"I think Gavin's part of the conversation," Roberts said.

Is it likely though?

"Gavin's gonna get here at some point," Roberts said. "Hasn't been great up until now, so just kind of figuring out what's best for him, what's best for us."

Doesn't sound very likely, either. So how about what he's said on skipping the start:

"It's a thought," Roberts said. "Just, kind of, I think netting everything out, because there's always a cost."

So Who's Going to Get That Start?

Based on Roberts' comments, it seems most likely that either Gonsolin comes up and pitches it, or the Dodgers skip it/go into a full bullpen game. If they feel like Gonsolin is ready to come back and throw four innings, they'll probably do it. However, if they want to give him one more day of rest, they could just lean into a bullpen game as long as the relievers are well rested at that point.