The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has been asked to do a lot this season, as they continue to lead the league in innings pitched.
The results haven’t always been great, as Dodgers relievers collectively are ranked 19th in ERA among all teams. Putting consistently good performances together as a unit became more difficult as key contributors weren’t available at the beginning of the season or suffered injury.
There also was the factor of Tanner Scott failing to live up to expectations for a prolonged stretch after signing a lucrative contract with the Dodgers.
Amid Scott’s struggles and absences of Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips, a pair of rookies have risen to the occasion.
Ben Casparius and Jack Dreyer have not only thrown the most innings out of anyone in the Dodgers bullpen, but they have also been two of the most effective options for manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts greatly appreciates the contributions of Casparius and Dreyer, but he wants to see veterans in the group help take some pressure off the young guys.
“I think it’s also we’re trying to win games and you have to look at who’s available, who can handle leverage, and things like that. To be quite honest, we’re relying a lot on two rookies,” Roberts recently said.
“You’ve got to give credit to Jack and Ben, but it’s the other guys responsibility as well, who have been through the trials and have a lot more experience than those two players. I just don’t feel it’s right to put everything on those two young players. I don’t.”
Aside from Casparius and Dreyer, Alex Vesia has arguably been the Dodgers’ most productive reliever this season.
Recently getting Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech back from the injured list should certainly the group meet Roberts’ words. Though, Kopech was wild throughout a rehab assignment and that surfaced in his most recent appearance for L.A.
Meanwhile, Lou Trivino has also proved to be a quality find by the Dodgers front office, as one of the many transactions made in search of bullpen over the last month.
The Dodgers also have Alexis Díaz waiting in the wings as he continues to work with pitching development coaches at Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers moving Ben Casparius to rotation
Although Casparius has been a valuable member of the bullpen, the Dodgers now are planning on moving him into the starting rotation due to mounting needs.
That decision lends further credence to Roberts calling on the Dodgers bullpen as a whole to consistently pitch well.
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