Caleb Ferguson became an important part of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen in 2020, but unfortunately his season was cut short due to Tommy John Surgery.
Ferguson posted a 2.89 ERA and 3.57 FIP while striking out 13.02 hitters per and walking just 1.45 per nine, but he was limited to just 18.2 innings prior to his injury. He then missed all of 2021 while recovering from the surgery.
Prior to the MLB lockout ending and players reporting for the start of Spring Training, the left-hander said he was healthy and would be a full participant in camp.
While that has seemingly been the case, manager Dave Roberts explained the team wants to be cautious with Ferguson early into the 2022 regular season and therefore he isn’t expected to be included on the 2022 Dodgers Opening Day roster, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Pitcher Caleb Ferguson is “unlikely” to be on the Dodgers’ season-opening roster, Roberts said. But it won’t be because of any setback Ferguson has had in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Ferguson has fully recovered from the procedure and has pitched in three Cactus League games. But the Dodgers plan to use him cautiously this season and would prefer to limit his innings early in the season rather than later.
Ferguson should end up being an important part of the Dodgers bullpen, so it’s better to have him limited early rather than down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Ferguson also showed promise in his rookie season in 2018 when he threw 49 innings with a 3.49 ERA and 3.79 FIP with 10.84 strikeouts per nine and 2.20 walks per nine. However, he struggled with walks in 2019, which led to him having an ERA near five.
In his career, Ferguson has thrown 112.1 innings with six starts and owns a 3.93 ERA, 4.26 FIP, 11.22 strikeouts per nine and 3.36 walks per nine.
The Dodgers also recently signed him to a one-year contract worth $762,500 to avoid arbitration.
Kahnle unlikely to be ready for Opening Day
Like Ferguson, Tommy Kahnle is also unlikely to make the Dodgers Opening Day roster as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.
The Dodgers signed Kahnle to a two-year contract in December 2020, with the expectation he would not be able to contribute until 2022. In his last full season with the New York Yankees in 2019, Kahnle pitched to a 3.67 ERA, 3.33 FIP and 1.06 WHIP with 88 strikeouts and 20 walks over 61.1 innings (72 appearances).
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
