Dodgers' options amid rotation uncertainty

This story was excerpted from Juan Toribio’s Dodgers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

LOS ANGELES -- With the magic number at 7 (as of Tuesday afternoon), the Dodgers are getting ready to pop some champagne as they get closer to a 10th National League West title in 11 seasons.

Because of their large lead in the division and very small chance to catch the Braves for the top seed in the NL, everything the Dodgers will do over the final three weeks of the regular season will be centered around their plans in October.

With that in mind, the biggest question surrounding the Dodgers is in the starting rotation. Clayton Kershaw, who might have to handle the bulk of the responsibility, has seen a significant dip in velocity over his last two starts and was pushed back from Monday to Saturday. While manager Dave Roberts said the decision isn’t related to Kershaw’s ailing left shoulder, it’s still something to monitor.

Still, Kershaw will have to show that his velocity and command improve over his last three regular-season starts to give the Dodgers some more clarity.

The Dodgers are without Julio Urías, who is away from the team after getting arrested Sept. 3 on domestic violence charges. Urías, whose locker was removed from the clubhouse, is on paid administrative leave for an indefinite period of time.

After Kershaw, the top two options for the Dodgers in the rotation are rookie Bobby Miller and veteran Lance Lynn. Miller has all the talent in the world, but has run into some trouble on the mound when he doesn’t control his emotions. He’s also surpassed his innings in his pro career and has never experienced the postseason. Still, the Dodgers are banking on his talent and they might not have a choice but to have him pitch in either Game 1 or Game 2 of a potential NLDS.

Lynn, on the other hand, will need to get on track. The right-hander has had the worst season of his career, largely because of an inability to limit home runs. Lynn has allowed 40 homers this season, which easily leads the league.

Though the Dodgers are relying on Kershaw, Lynn and Miller to make starts in the postseason, they will also surely consider the following options. Let’s work through them.

Ryan Pepiot has taken a significant step in his development this season. His gem against the Marlins on Thursday opened some eyes, and he has posted a 0.86 ERA in four appearances this season. The right-hander has cut down on the walks and is showing why he was a highly touted prospect.

There’s also the Dodgers’ ability to trot out an opener and then have Ryan Yarbrough serve as a bulk guy before turning it over to the backend of the bullpen. Other young pitchers like Gavin Stone, Emmet Sheehan and Michael Grove will be evaluated over the next 19 games as the Dodgers weigh each and every option.