Dodgers rotation: Warm the milk and cookies, the kiddies are here

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When Frank McCourt wishes upon a star, what do you think it is he desires most?

Other than a quick divorce settlement in his favor. And not paying income tax. And becoming the king of Chinese soccer. Or maybe being hailed as L.A.’s NFL savior.

Somewhere in there, don’t you just think it could be to acquire a real live, breathing, legitimate starting pitcher?

Forget an ace, we’re way past that. Just a proven, reliable major league arm.

Alas, currently in the Dodgers rotation are John Ely and Carlos Monasterios. That would be Ely, who until this season had never pitched above double A, and Monasterios, who essentially had never pitched above Class A.

Monasterios will make the first start of his career Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He remains a pleasant surprise, but hasn’t really done anything that screamed: ‘We have got to get that kid in the rotation!’

In seven games out of the bullpen this season, he is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA. He’s thrown 10 2/3 innings, given up 10 hits and three walks, struck out six.

He is the Rule 5 pitcher the Dodgers drafted off the Phillies’ roster. He is what the Dodgers have. It was either that or send Charlie Haeger back out on three days’ rest. And Haeger is 0-3 with a 7.45 ERA.

Ely, who has a slight resemblance to actor Matthew McConaughey, made his major league debut Wednesday, allowing five runs in six innings of a 7-3 loss to Washington. He could start again on Wednesday or Thursday.

Maybe they work out. Maybe they stick and live happily ever after.

And then, maybe they pitch like a couple of right-handers with precious little minor league experience, rushed to the majors because the Dodgers simply had no one else to offer. Because they knew what their need was in the off-season and failed to address it.

Enough to make you wish upon a star.

--Steve Dilbeck