Dodgers Add Former WVU Pitcher Michael Grove to Opening Day Roster

The Los Angeles Dodgers called former WVU pitcher Michael Grove up to the majors on Opening Day after late injuries to starters Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot.

Grove had a 3.13 ERA in two seasons with the Mountaineers, leaving college after the Dodgers selected him in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft.

A last minute addition, but Michael Grove is officially on the Dodgers opening day roster!#HailWV pic.twitter.com/cGk59sYolQ

— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) March 30, 2023

He made his major league debut last May, eventually pitching in seven games (six starts). He pitched to a 4.60 ERA across 29.1 innings, striking out 24 batters. He’s a good candidate for a bounceback season after being plagued by home runs in 2022, allowing 1.8 per nine innings. HR/9 is one of the streakiest stats from year to year, so that number is likely to come down and with it, Grove’s ERA.

That’s without taking into account the fact that the Dodgers have been one of the best teams in the majors at developing young pitchers over the past 15 years: Grove is in good hands. Grove projects to be their No. 5 starter, which sets him up to start on Monday, April 3 against the Colorado Rockies. He’ll have a chance to earn his spot on the roster while the other Dodgers recover.

With Grove’s selection to the Dodgers, the Mountaineers now have two former players active in the pros on Opening Day. 

Alek Manoah is the Blue Jays No. 1 starter and a Cy Young Award candidate after a phenomenal second season in Toronto. Orioles’ (and former West Virginia) ace John Means is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, beginning the season on the 60-day Injured List.