Before the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Ryan Madson from the Washington Nationals and added a veteran bat in David Freese from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On Monday afternoon, the Dodgers clinched a berth in their third consecutive National League Championship Series by defeating the Atlanta Braves in four games in the Division Series.
A big reason for that was the play of both of their acquisitions, Madson and Freese. With the Dodgers trailing 2-1 in the fifth inning, the Braves loaded the bases with one out against Rich Hill.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts elected to go with the experience in Madson in that situation as he ranks fourth all-time with 48 career relief appearances.
Madson came through in the tough spot, getting two pop-ups to leave the bases loaded. The following inning, Freese delivered a two-run pinch-hit single to give the Dodgers the lead.
After the game, Madson discussed his short time in Los Angeles, expressing gratitude for the opportunity that the organization has given him after not having a great year in Washington, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
“After the most disappointing season I’ve ever had, to be able to be put in this position and trusted with this, just even the last spot on the roster, means so much,” Madson said. “It feels like a total revival.”
“I’m just thankful,” Madson said. “Really grateful.”
Before being traded, Madson posted a 5.28 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, which were his worst marks since 2006. Madson gave up just one run in five innings in his last five outings with the Dodgers though, which earned him a spot on the NLDS roster.
He has rewarded the organization for going with the experience so far, completing two scoreless appearances in the series against the Braves. He will look to continue that in the NLCS as the Dodgers hope to return to the World Series for the second straight year.
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