Deborah Walker
Jul 29, 2023 - 06:05

Dodgers anticipate turnaround from newly-acquired Lance Lynn

The Dodgers have traded for pitcher Lance Lynn, despite his high ERA, to strengthen their rotation and lessen the burden on the bullpen.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired pitcher Lance Lynn in a trade, despite his high ERA this season. However, Lynn's ability to qualify for league leaderboards due to his innings pitched makes him valuable to the team. Manager Dave Roberts has heard positive things about Lynn's competitiveness and preparedness, noting that he often goes deep into games.

Lynn has averaged 5.7 innings in his 21 starts for the White Sox, a higher average than any other Dodgers pitcher besides Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw, who has been out for the past month, has 12 starts of at least six innings this season. Lynn has achieved this feat 10 times, showcasing his ability to pitch deep into games.

The Dodgers' starting rotation was strong in the first part of the season, with a starter going at least six innings 20 times in the first 40 games. However, injuries to Dustin May and Julio Urías disrupted their rotation, and they have only managed 19 outings of at least six innings in the following 61 games.

While Lynn's quantity of innings is impressive, his quality has been lacking. He currently holds a 6.47 ERA, the highest among pitchers with qualified innings. Only Luke Weaver has a higher ERA among pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched. Lynn also leads the league in home runs allowed with 28.

Despite his struggles, the Dodgers are optimistic that Lynn can improve in their environment and return to his previous form. They believe that playing meaningful games will bring out the best in him and that his home run numbers will balance out. Manager Dave Roberts attributes some of Lynn's struggles to bad luck.

The Dodgers' rotation is in need of help, and adding Lynn does not rule out the possibility of acquiring another pitcher. The team currently ranks 21st in the majors with a 4.71 ERA from their starters. In the upcoming games against the Reds, they will be starting rookie pitchers with high ERAs.

Lynn and Joe Kelly are expected to join the Dodgers this weekend, and the team will determine where to slot Lynn into the rotation. Julio Urías is set to start on Tuesday against the A's.