The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen is without expected key contributors but has gotten off to a rough start this season.
Among their latest stumbles was Sunday, when multiple relieves played a role in the Dodgers losing the rubber match to the San Diego Padres as the pitching staff combined to walk 14 batters.
It was the fourth time in franchise history that Dodgers pitchers issued that many free passes in a game and the first since 1962.
James Paxton walked a career-high eight batters but was able to limit the damage as he allowed a respectable three runs over five-plus innings pitched. The combination of Ryan Brasier, J.P. Feyereisen, Alex Vesia and Nick Ramirez then yielded six additional walks over the final four innings.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged it was a rough performance for the Dodgers bullpen but expressed a belief the relief pitchers have been reliable for most of the season thus far, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“But I think in totality, you look and there’s been a lot of good things, a lot of innings that they’ve covered.
“It’s hard when you look back at a couple pitches we would like to have back. The walk is something that is tough to watch. But the guys that we have we really like. Their track records speak for themselves. And we just gotta be more consistent.”
Through 19 games this season, the Dodgers bullpen has been roughly middle of the pack compared to the rest of the league as they have posted a 4.46 ERA and 1.37 WHIP while allowing 12 home runs.
Evan Phillips and Daniel Hudson have been their usual dominant selves, while other key contributors such as Joe Kelly and Brasier are still trying to get on track.
Dodgers bullpen injuries
For as much talent as there is in the Dodgers bullpen, the group has been without Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen, who are working their way back from respective shoulder and lung/rib injuries.
Graterol will be sidelined until at least the middle of May after being transferred to the 60-day injured list, while Treinen is still weeks away from making his 2024 debut due to the revelation that he fractured ribs on the line drive that also bruised his lung.
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