After getting his first taste of the Majors last year, Michael Grove took on a bigger role with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2023 season.
The right-hander made their Opening Day rotation because of injuries to Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot, and was primarily used as a starting pitcher before transitioning to the bullpen in September.
Grove had two stints on the 15-day injured list but still appeared in 18 games (12 starts), going 2-3 with a 6.13 ERA, 4.36 FIP, 1.48 WHIP and 9.5 strikeouts per nine over a career-high 69 innings pitched.
The 26-year-old closed out the regular season with 6.1 consecutive scoreless innings and earned a spot on the Dodgers’ postseason roster for the National League Division Series.
Grove reflected on his 2023 season in an Instagram post and said bigger things are to come.
Grove allowed one run and collected two strikeouts in two innings of work against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was one of five rookies on the Dodgers NLDS roster, along with Bobby Miller, James Outman, Ryan Pepiot and Emmet Sheehan.
Although Grove traditionally has been a starter, it would not be a surprise if he becomes a key member of the Dodgers bullpen for the 2024 season and beyond.
Michael Grove earned spot on NLDS roster
The Dodgers carried 13 pitchers on their NLDS roster, and Grove earned the final spot over left-hander Ryan Yarbrough. “We’re going to give Michael every opportunity,” manager Dave Roberts said at the time.
“He’ll be able to go multiples, which is good. What we’ve seen from Michael this year, he’s been great. He does something different, it’s a different throw, it’s a plus-slider with a fastball. So he’s unique in that sense. He’s going to get every opportunity.”
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