Dodgers News: Roberts Addresses Michael Grove's Status in the Starting Rotation

Back to back losses already has folks asking the tough questions.

Things didn't go too great for rookie right hander Michael Grove on Sunday afternoon. It was the second straight start to open the season where he we touched up by the opposition. In his first start he had an excuse. He was battling through illness including strep throat. But on Sunday he was presumably healthy and couldn't get Arizona batters out.

“I got hit. … Credit to them,” Grove told reporters after the game. “They barreled up the ball a lot and they didn’t go at anybody. So it’s just one of those days. Not a ton to take away from it right now. I didn’t feel like I threw the ball terribly. I missed some spots, wasn’t landing the curveball. Just some things to work on. But all in all, credit to them for hitting the ball.”

Also after the game, Dave Roberts asked about Grove's status in the starting rotation. Unsurprisingly, the manager isn't ready to make any drastic moves after just two starts. But he opened the door to the possibility.

“I do think it’s premature (when questioned about Grove's future in the rotation). He’ll get the Cubs this next series and we’ll go from there.”

“They guys just weren’t sharp to be quite honest.” Dave Roberts feels the Dodgers didn’t play to their level of play against the #Dbacks. pic.twitter.com/kpr7hhT4gn

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 9, 2023

The 26-year-old has allowed 12 earned runs over his 2 starts. He was tagged for 9 of those in Arizona on Sunday. His first start was much better when he held Colorado scoreless through 4 innings before getting tagged for 3 runs in the 5th while trying to one too many innings. 

Another thing working in Grove's favor is there's really no one ready to step in and take his place in the rotation. Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot remain weeks away from returning from the lnjured list. Top prospect Bobby Miller is building up after being slow played this spring and the club isn't quite ready to call up Gavin Stone.

“We’ve just got to wash this series, Roberts added, "because it wasn’t good.”

For better or worse, Michael Grove will likely be the guy until Gonsolin returns from the IL later this month.