Stripling hasn't reported to camp as of Saturday morning due to an upper respiratory issue, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The issue isn't expected to be a major one, as Stripling reportedly could return as early as later in the day Saturday. The illness is unlikely to significantly affect his preparation for the upcoming season, a season in which he's expected to fill a swingman role.

Manager Dave Roberts indicated Wednesday that the Dodgers won't hold an open competition for any rotation spots in spring training, meaning Stripling will likely open the 2019 campaign in the bullpen, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu were already assured starting gigs entering camp, and Roberts' declaration that Kenta Maeda would also begin the season as a starter leaves no spots left up for grabs. Given that all five pitchers spent time on the disabled list last season, the Dodgers will presumably keep Stripling, Julio Urias and potentially a few other arms on the 40-man roster stretched out in the likely event another healthy arm is needed in the rotation. Stripling should get the first look should an opening arise after compiling a 3.39 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 over 21 starts in 2018, earning an All-Star nod along the way.

Stripling was left off the Dodgers' 25-man NLDS roster against Atlanta, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Dave Roberts kept 12 pitchers, including four typical starters in Walker Buehler, Rich HIll, Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu, but decided to leave Stripling off the active roster for this series. In 33 appearances (21 starts) this year, Stripling logged a 3.02 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 10.0 K/9.

Stripling (8-6) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two over 1.2 innings against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

It was another brief outing for Stripling, who's been unable to work more than 3.1 innings in four straight starts, while taking the loss in three of those. The 28-year-old got through the first inning without much incident, but ran into trouble in the second frame with a home run, a triple, a double, two singles and a walk allowed before being lifted. While he may shift to the bullpen should the Dodgers make the postseason, this figures to be Stripling's final appearance of the regular season.

Stripling will take the mound against the Padres on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Rich Hill was initially listed as the probable starter but manager Dave Roberts has elected to get Stripling back on the rubber after re-joining the rotation last weekend. Stripling only pitched 3.1 innings against the Cardinals on Sunday, which marked his first start since early August due to a back injury. It appears as though Roberts wants to give Stripling as much time on the mound as possible to work his arm back to speed as the club closes in on a spot in the postseason. Hill will pitch Saturday's contest.

Stripling is scheduled to start Sunday against the Cardinals, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling will rejoin the starting rotation in place of Alex Wood, who was shifted to the bullpen after getting tagged for seven runs (six earned) across 3.2 innings in his last start (against the Reds). The 28-year-old right-hander has been stellar as a starter this season, posting a 2.94 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 108:12 K:BB across 18 outings (98 innings).

Stripling allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out four across 3.1 innings Wednesday against the Reds. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling allowed a first-inning homer to Jose Peraza but settled in from there and allowed just one hit over the next 2.1 innings before exiting. The right-hander hadn't started in over a month entering Wednesday, which explains his removal after just 51 pitches (30 of which were strikes). It's unclear if Stripling will get another start or head back to the bullpen. Either way, his 2.61 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 9.9 K/9 across 113.2 innings this season is deserving of a roster spot.

Stripling will start Wednesday against the Reds, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling was expected to pitch out of the bullpen upon returning from his back injury, but he'll wind up recording just one out there before rejoining the rotation. It's unclear whether or not he'll be able to go deep into the game, as he hasn't started a game in over a month.

Stripling could be in line to start Wednesday's game at Cincinnati, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clayton Kershaw will have his started pushed back a day, potentially opening up the spot for Stripling. The right-hander was activated off the 10-day disabled list Friday and recorded one out in his lone appearance out of the bullpen. The 28-year-old missed most of August with a back injury.

Stripling (back) was activated from the 10-day disabled list for Friday's game against the Rockies, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling was placed on the shelf Aug. 15 due to a back issue, and after successfully tossing a simulated game Wednesday, he'll. be available out of the bullpen in the series opener. He'll be used out of the bullpen in long relief for the time being, but he could certainly make a spot start sometime within the next few weeks, per Pedro Moura of The Athletic.