Stripling was named the Dodgers' fifth starter Friday, J.P Hoonstra of the Los Angeles News Group reports. "This is what we see in the near term as far as ross taking the ball every fifth day," said manager Dave Roberts.
After battling with Carlos Frias for the final spot in the rotation all spring, Stripling officially won the job Friday and will make his season debut April 8 when the Dodgers take on the Giants. Stripling was susceptible to the long ball this spring, allowing three home runs in 11.0 innings of work. However, his ability to miss bats (11 K this spring) likely helped his cause in earning the final rotation spot. With Stripling officially locked in as the fifth starter, Frias was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.