Even after acquiring Lance Lynn leading up to the 2023 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a need for starting pitching that was ultimately addressed by adding Ryan Yarbrough.

The Dodgers’ trade for Yarbrough was completed in the final minutes before the deadline and seemingly in response to Eduardo Rodriguez blocking a deal in order to remain with the Detroit Tigers. However, Yarbrough joined the Dodgers with versatility as a swingman that the team intended to capitalize on.

Yarbrough went 4-5 with 4.24 ERA, 4.29 FIP and 1.19 WHIP in 14 games (seven starts) for the Kansas City Royals last season. He was moved into their rotation at the end of April and pitched to a 4-3 record with a 3.08 ERA, 3.67 FIP and 1.13 WHIP in the seven starts.

With the Dodgers, his first seven appearances were all out of the bullpen. The left-hander then started against the Washington Nationals before going on paternity leave, and made two more relief appearances before a final start to close out the regular season.

Yarbrough went 4-2 with two saves, a 4.89 ERA, 4.52 FIP and 1.27 WHIP in 11 games (two starts) for L.A. All but one of the relief appearances was at least three innings. His final time pitching last year amounted to allowing nine runs on 11 hits over four innings at Coors Field.

Yarbrough vowed to improve for the postseason but never received that opportunity due to being left off the Dodgers’ roster for the National League Division Series. That didn’t necessarily come as much of a surprise given the Arizona Diamondbacks’ success against lefties and Caleb Ferguson and Alex Vesia being ahead of Yarbrough.

Ryan Yarbrough 2023 highlight

In his third game for the Dodgers, Yarbrough pitched three innings against the Milwaukee Brewers to convert his first career save.

2024 outlook

Although there were some who considered Yarbrough a non-tender candidate, he was extended a contract at the deadline in November to remain under team control. The Dodgers and Yarbrough then avoided arbitration by reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million contract for the 2024 season.

Assuming Yarbrough remains with the Dodgers this season, he’ll likely be relied one to once again to provide length out of the bullpen and make spot starts.

The 32-year-old is due to become a free agent after the 2024 season.