Fan graphs rates Chicago’s chances of making the playoffs at just 5.8%. They enter Friday’s action six games out of the Wild Card, owing primarily to recent troubles. The Cubs have gone 6-6 in the 12 games since the All-Star break, losing ground on their Wild Card opponents.
The Tigers’ starting pitcher Jack Flaherty was traded to Los Angeles, along with Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals, Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox, Amed Rosario from the Tampa Bay Rays, and Kevin Kiermaier from the Toronto Blue Jays. In return for Flaherty, the Tigers received catcher Thayron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney.
With the Dodgers having acquired Flaherty, many fans are eagerly anticipating his debut for Los Angeles. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed on Wednesday the three starting pitchers for this weekend’s series against the Oakland A’s.
Gavin Stone will kick off the series with his start on Friday, while River Ryan will close it out on Sunday. Jack Flaherty is set to make his first start for the Dodgers on Saturday in Oakland against the Athletics.
“We’re excited,” Roberts told reporters in San Diego. “I know he’s chomping at the bit.”
So far this season, the Los Angeles native has a 7-5 record, with a 2.96 ERA, 133 strikeouts, and just 19 walks. Excluding River Ryan, who has only made two appearances, Flaherty has the lowest ERA of any healthy Dodger starter this season. The Dodgers will be counting on him to maintain this level of performance as they gear up for the postseason.
The addition of Jack Flaherty, along with the returns of Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw, will help strengthen the Dodgers’ rotation.
Unlike most Dodgers starters, Flaherty has remained healthy since 2022 when he dealt with a right shoulder strain. He has recently surpassed the 100-inning mark this season, which is still well below his career-high of 196.1 innings in a single season.
Flaherty’s durability and strikeout prowess will significantly enhance the Dodgers’ rotation.