Dodgers' Brandon McCarthy: Makes first start of spring Friday

McCarthy started Friday's split-squad game against the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs on two hits over two innings.

Friday's stat line is a microcosm of what type of pitcher McCarthy is. The quick two-run homer showed how hittable he can be at times, and the five straight outs following the home run showed that he can be an effective starter. If you look past his two injury-marred seasons, McCarthy posted a sparkling 4.3 K/BB ratio over a four-year period spanning 2011-2014. With a fastball velocity in the low-to-mid 90s and big movement, there is potential for a bounce-back campaign. There is some deep sleeper potential in the 33-year-old's arm, but he has two big hills to climb: winning a rotation spot and overcoming his injury woes.