After a rough road trip, the Los Angeles Dodgers got back on track by sweeping the Colorado Rockies in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers dominated the Rockies in all facets of the game as they outscored them, 19-3, and received a bounce-back performance from their bullpen.
The Dodgers’ relief corps combined to allow only one run in seven innings against the Rockies. Since their 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, the unit has given up just the one run over its last 10.1 innings.
Alex Vesia, who has referred to the Dodgers bullpen as “dawgs” on several occasions, believes the group can continue pitching well for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs in order to live up to the mantra that emerged last October.
“I’d like to keep that going,” Vesia said. “I think it’s just we lean on one another. Every single one of us believes in each other. Whenever we get the ball, it’s our time and we go and get one out at a time. One inning at a time, and go from there.”
The Dodgers’ bullpen has largely underperformed since getting off to a strong start this season, but there is hope for a potential turnaround. That stems from the team having several veteran relievers with impressive track records who know what it’s like pitching in big games.
Furthermore, the Dodgers’ starting rotation has stabilized — and dominated of late.
“We’ve faced adversity before, and it seems we come out on the other side and we’re better for it,” Vesia said. “I believe in every single one of us. It’s going to be a great couple weeks.”
Despite several key relief pitchers struggling for much of the season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts continues to trust his players in high-leverage situations.
“It’s a big confidence boost knowing that your manager and coaching staff believes in you,” Vesia said. “It’s great. At the same time, the more we’re prepared and as these games get going, we do have to lock it in and be ready to go.”
Alex Vesia, Dodgers closer?
With Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen in the midst of difficult seasons, the Dodgers aren’t necessarily committed to any one pitcher for the ninth inning. Vesia has experience closing games, but isn’t focused on taking over the role.
“I’ve kind of kept it pretty even when I’m preparing out in the bullpen,” he noted. “It doesn’t matter to me what the inning is.
“We have our scouting reports, our roles and what our lanes are, and we go from there. I don’t try to overcomplicate it. I just want to get three outs.”
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