Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers 2017 Player Review: Kenta Maeda
Dodgers News

Dodgers 2017 Player Review: Kenta Maeda

Daniel Starkand
December 9, 2017
3 Min Read
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

After coming over from Japan, right-handed pitcher Kenta Maeda had a very successful rookie season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, leading the team in innings pitched. Some fatigue set in late, which Maeda looked to improve upon this year now with MLB experience under his belt.

The 2017 season ended up being an unprecedented one for him, as for the first time in his career he pitched out of the bullpen, earning his first career save in the regular season and then developing into one of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ best weapons as a reliever in the postseason.

Maeda got off to a rough start to the season, posting a 6.58 ERA in the month of April. But after a stint on the disabled list and short demotion to the bullpen, Maeda regained his form and had an outstanding month of June in which he yielded a 1.71 ERA.

Overall on the season, Maeda went 13-6 with a 4.22 ERA, 4.07 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in 29 games (25 starts). In 134.1 innings pitched he struck out 140 and walked just 34.

Right-handed hitters posted a .647 on-base plus slugging percentage against Maeda, so when the playoffs rolled around and the Dodgers rotation consisted of Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Yu Darvish and Alex Wood, Maeda became a prime candidate to move to the bullpen.

That is where he thrived, as in 10.2 postseason innings he gave up just five hits and one run while striking out 10 and walking two.

2017 Highlight

Although the Dodgers wound up losing to the Houston Astros in the World Series, Maeda was one of the team’s unsung heroes in October and his entire postseason performance has to be considered his biggest highlight.

Game 3 of the World Series, in particular, was an impressive outing for Maeda as after teammate Yu Darvish struggled, he came in and provided the Dodgers some quality innings. Maeda threw 2.2 shutout innings and kept the Dodgers in the game, although they wound up losing 5-3.

2018 Outlook

Maeda still has two years remaining on the eight-year contract he signed, and while he found success as a reliever, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team still views Maeda as a starter moving forward.

However, if Maeda struggles in that capacity, it would not be out of the question to see him return to the bullpen, as everyone saw how well his stuff played as a reliever.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2017 Player ReviewsKenta MaedaLos Angeles Dodgers
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Miguel Rojas
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Miguel Rojas Injury: Offseason Surgery Likely Needed For Left Adductor Tear

October 1, 2024
October 1, 2024
Game Central

Preview: Austin Barnes Returns To Catch Clayton Kershaw As Dodgers Open Series Against Rival Giants

June 7, 2019
June 7, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect Dustin May in the 2019 MLB Futures Game
Dodgers Minor Leagues

2019 MLB Futures Game: Dodgers’ Pitching Prospect Dustin May Shines, Gavin Lux Goes Hitless

July 9, 2019
July 9, 2019
Justin-turner-2
Game Central

Justin Turner Delivers In 9th Inning, Dodgers Take Rubber Match From Yankees

September 14, 2016
September 14, 2016

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어