Multiple Young Starters Competing For Walker Buehler's Spot in Dodgers' Rotation

The team has a lot of good options.

With Walker Buehler not expected back until at least May, the Dodgers have multiple starters they can turn to. Unfortunately, Emmet Sheehan will not be among them because he will begin the year on the injured list.

According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Gavin Stone, Michael Grove, Kyle Hurt, and Ryan Yarbrough will all get looks to replace Buehler to start the season.

Some clarity today in the battle for the Dodgers' No. 5 rotation spot:

Emmet Sheehan will start the year on the IL, per Dave Roberts. Thus, Gavin Stone & Micheal Grove look like the frontrunners –– though, Roberts said Kyle Hurt and Ryan Yarbrough are also in the mix

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 9, 2024

Stone, 25, might be leading the pack as he has thoroughly impressed this spring. In 9.2 innings he has struck out nine batters, issued one walk, and allowed one earned run for a 0.93 ERA.

Grove is the most experienced of this young core pitching in parts of the last two seasons. He has 98.2 innings pitched as both a starter and out of the bullpen. He has a career 5.67 ERA and 4.60 FIP, but he has shown flashes of dominance.

Hurt had the quickest cup of coffee with the Dodgers last year. He came up for two games, totaling three innings, and did not give up a run while striking out three. While he came out of the bullpen last year, Roberts announced that the team is stretching out Hurt to be a starter.

The Dodgers traded for Yarbrough last year at the deadline from the Kansas City Royals. The southpaw had a 4.89 ERA and 4.52 FIP as a swingman last year. It seems, that the Dodgers might prefer him in a swingman role per reports coming out of spring training. 

The Dodgers are spoiled with choices when it comes to finding someone to replace Buehler. On other teams, these pitchers might already be making regular starts at the major league level.