Dodgers could win the arms race

With Clayton Kershaw at the top of the rotation, the Dodgers may have a winning rotation in 2017.

Let's look at the early returns:

Brandon McCarthy has come out of the gates strong. He is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Kershaw is 4-1 with a 2.29 ERA.

Hyun Jin-Ryu, shelved for the past two seasons due to injury, holds an 0-4 collar and a 4.64 ERA. However, Ryu appeared to be returning to form in his last outing, going six innings and holding the Giants to one run on five hits and striking out three. If he keeps this up, he will stay in the rotation.

Jose Urias arrived from Oklahoma City this week and held the Giants to one run on four hits through 5.2 innings, striking out four but also walking four. A bad pick-off throw led to a run and got him chased but the second-year hurler out of Mexico could be a big factor for the Dodgers this year.

Kenta Maeda, a stalwart in 2016, is struggling in 2017. He is 1-2 with a bloated 8.05 ERA and has given up seven dingers. If Maeda can't pull it together he may lose his spot in the rotation.

Rich Hill went on the DL with his chronic blister issue after going 1-1 in his first two starts. The Dodgers need a healthy Hill to make a playoff run. There must be something they can do to toughen up those fingers.

If Maeda and Hill are not up to par, look to Alex Wood to join Kershaw, Urias, McCarthy and Ryu in the rotation. Wood started against the Giants on April 26 and tossed one-hit, shut out ball over six innings, striking out five.

Health always being the wildcard, the Dodgers figure to win the arms race in 2017.