Manager Dave Roberts said Maeda will be in the starting rotation to begin the 2019 season, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda has also begun the previous two seasons as a starter only to eventually be moved to the bullpen, which seems plausible again in 2019. The Dodgers have a plethora of legitimate options for their starting rotation already on the roster and could still acquire additional talent this offseason, so the 30-year-old's role on the team could very well change by the time Opening Day comes around.

Maeda struck out one in a scoreless two-out save against the Rockies on Friday. He issued no hits and no walks.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda came into the ninth inning with a two-run lead and got DJ LeMahieu to fly out before striking out Nolan Arenado to earn his second save of the year. Closer Kenley Jansen (chest) is ruled out for the series against the Rockies, so save opportunities fall to Kenta Maeda and Ryan Madson for the time being. With Madson having pitched in three of the last four games, it made sense for the ball to be given to the more rested Maeda.

Maeda and Ryan Madson figure to be top candidates to close games during the Dodgers' weekend series against Colorado, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kenley Jansen (chest) didn't travel with the team to Colorado as a precaution, so Los Angeles will adopt a closer by committee approach against the Rockies. Madson and Maeda will likely be first in line so save opportunities, although Madison is likely unavailable Friday after pitching Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

Maeda was the pitcher of record in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks after striking out two in a perfect eighth inning.

EDGE Analysis

After being bumped from the rotation in mid-August, Maeda immediately emerged as a top option to close for the Dodgers while Kenley Jansen was sidelined with an irregular heartbeat. Jansen was reinstated from the disabled list earlier than anticipated and has since reclaimed closing duties, but Maeda looks like he may continue to fill in important role in the bullpen as one of manager Dave Roberts' most-trusted setup arms. Since transitioning to relief, Maeda has given up two runs over six innings while striking out nine and recording a win and a save.

Manager Dave Roberts stated there's a good chance Maeda will be called upon for the ninth inning in a save situation, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda suffered a loss in his first appearance out of the bullpen this season, as he was deployed in the ninth inning of Tuesday's contest against the Giants and gave up a run on three base knocks. Given Los Angeles' murky closer situation, both Maeda and Scott Alexander appear to be the top two candidates for save opportunities while Kenley Jansen (chest) is on the disabled list.

Maeda was charged with a loss after giving up a run on three hits while striking out one over an inning against the Giants on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Scott Alexander had faltered recently in crucial late-inning situations, so manager Dave Roberts turned to Maeda in the ninth inning of a tie game at home, a scenario that is usually reserved for a team's closer. The move doesn't confirm that the converted starter will close out games going forward, especially considering he was unable to get the job done. That said, it does show Roberts' willingness to use Maeda in late-inning situations while Kenley Jansen (chest) mends on the disabled list.

Maeda will move to the bullpen, Pedro Moura of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda has been a solid pitcher as a whole this season, producing a 3.80 ERA and a 10.7 K/9 in 109 frames. However, with Alex Wood (hamstring) and Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin) nearing a return to action, the Japanese import will move to the bullpen. Maedas success this season could make him an option for high-leverage work down the stretch, and closing out games isn't out of the question while star closer Kenley Jansen (irregular heartbeat) is sidelined.

Maeda will likely transition to a role in the bullpen following Friday's start against Colorado, Andy McCullough of The Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Maeda was set to move to a relief role with Alex Wood (hamstring) nearing a return from the DL, Kenley Jansen's chest injury will hasten his return to the bullpen. Jansen is expected to miss around a month of action while dealing with an irregular heartbeat, so Maeda is in line to receive some save opportunities alongside Scott Alexander, though it remains to be seen how manager Dave Roberts will divvy it up. Over 21 appearances (19 starts) with the Dodgers this year, Maeda has posted a 3.73 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with a 10.7 K/9.

Maeda (7-7) served up five runs on six hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out four over 5.1 innings and taking the loss against the Astros on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda was aggressive on the mound (55 of 86 pitches for strikes), but he gave up too much hard contact (four extra-base hits) to an Astros' lineup known for its slugging abilities. It's been a season of highs and lows for the veteran hurler, and he appears to be trending downwards with a 6.88 ERA over his last three starts. Things don't get any easier for Maeda in his next start when he takes on the Rockies at Coors Field next Friday.

Maeda (7-6) took the loss Monday after giving up four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda had been downright dominant over his last 10 starts (2.34 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 10.8 K/9), but he hit a roadblock in the form of the Brewers on Monday. The majority of the damage was done on a two-out, three-run homer off the bat of Eric Thames in the third inning, but a high pitch count (102 pitches over 4.2 innings) also contributed to the righty's early exit. Maeda owns a 3.48 ERA through 18 starts, but his career-best 3.13 FIP and 10.9 K/9 are great signs for his fantasy owners down the stretch.