As the Los Angeles Dodgers were looking to manage overall bullpen workload during the early months of the 2023 season, they selected the contract of Dylan Covey from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Justin Bruihl was optioned and the Dodgers transferred Jimmy Nelson to the 60-day injured list as the corresponding roster moves to calling up Covey.
It marked Covey’s first time being back in the Majors since the 2020 season, when he pitched for the Boston Red Sox. It also represented a homecoming for the Glendale, California native.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, the 31-year-old had thrown 32 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City, posting a 4.22 ERA, 5.20 FIP, 1.44 WHIP, 7.88 strikeouts per nine and 5.06 walks per nine.
Covey made just one appearance in what was his only day on the Dodgers roster. His addition wound up being vital as Dustin May pitched just one inning before being removed from his start due to a right elbow injury on the day Covey had his contract selected.
Covey got through four-plus innings, allowing two runs on five hits (two home runs) and collecting three strikeouts against one walk.
“Covey was great. He was fantastic,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the win. “Obviously, having Dustin go short and considering where we’ve been at, for him to go four innings, keep us in the ballgame and give us a chance to win, was huge. Couldn’t be more happy for him and us.”
Covey was designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-hander went 1-3 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 28 games (one start) for the Phillies. However, Covey ended the season on the 15-day injured list due to lower back pain.
Dylan Covey 2023 highlight
Covey allowed just one run over a season-high five innings pitched during his Phillies debut, but getting to join the Dodgers was a standout moment from 2023.
“It was really special,” Covey said. “I grew up 15 minutes up the road, as a Dodger fan. A couple years ago, I didn’t ever think I’d be back in this situation. It’s really special playing for the hometown team. My family is here and got to see me, so really special.”
2024 outlook
Covey was arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career and agreed to terms with the Phillies on a contract for the 2024 season at the tender deadline.
He figures to again serve as bullpen depth during the 2024 season while also being a candidate to make a spot start.
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