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Live discussion: Dodgers’ pitching beyond Clayton Kershaw, more

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Join The Times’ Dodgers writer Dylan Hernandez at 10:30 a.m. today for a live video chat about the boys in blue.

Among the topics of discussion might be the Dodgers’ pitching situation, which Hernandez says in Tuesday’s paper isn’t ideal:

“If not for their surplus of starting pitchers, these might be anxious days for the Dodgers.

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“In the last 24 hours, the Dodgers scratched flu-ridden Josh Beckett from his Monday start, classified Chad Billingsley as ‘kind of doubtful’ for his Tuesday assignment because of a bruised finger and made plans for previously sore-elbowed Zack Greinke to pitch Wednesday. ...

“The Dodgers came to spring training knowing the state of their rotation was an issue. By adding Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu in the off-season, baseball’s biggest spenders had eight highly paid starters, including Clayton Kershaw, Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang and Ted Lilly.

“This luxury resulted in some logistical problems. Finding the innings to build up everyone’s arm strength has been a challenge. And the Dodgers still must determine who will be part of the five-man rotation, moved into relief roles or possibly traded.

“The recent run of minor ailments and illnesses has further muddled the situation. Or, as Mattingly said, ‘We’re fluid.’

“At least there is stability at the top of the rotation. Kershaw appears to be near regular-season form and remains in line to make his third consecutive opening-day start.”

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