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 To Decide Based On Matchups When Filling 8th-Inning Void Left By Josh Fields
Dodgers News

Dodgers To Decide Based On Matchups When Filling 8th-Inning Void Left By Josh Fields

Matthew Moreno
June 29, 2018
3 Min Read
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

There was a surprising reversal of course for the Los Angeles Dodgers when Walker Buehler was in the clubhouse at Dodger Stadium. The rookie right-hander had been scheduled to make a rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The picture became clear when the Dodgers placed Josh Fields on the 10-day disabled list due to inflammation in his right shoulder, and Buehler was activated. On top of losing one of their top relievers to injury, the Dodgers were hindered by a short bullpen because of recent usage.

Buehler appeared in relief of Clayton Kershaw but was knocked around in his first game since June 8. He’d been on the disabled list with a right rib microfracture; and injury that Buehler actually made three starts with.

The Chicago Cubs also knocked around Erik Goeddel and scored a run off Caleb Ferguson. Beyond the loss, Los Angeles faces a question of who will fill the eighth-inning role that Fields occupied.

Manager Dave Roberts indicated he will revert back to playing the matchups, per Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:

“I don’t know,” manager Dave Roberts said, when asked who would slide into Fields’ eighth-inning slot. “It’s more how they’ve been used previously, how each guy is performing, how a certain matchup against a particular right-handed hitter looks.”

The strategy of using essentially any reliever based on the batter(s) is one the Dodgers have often deployed under Roberts. Though, there have been instances where a reliever carved out a specific role.

Joe Blanton surprisingly emerged as the primary setup man to Kenley Jansen in 2016, and Brandon Morrow did the same last season. Heading into the 2018 campaign, there was some though Tom Koehler would join the aforementioned right-handers as a starter to convert to relief pitching in high-leverage situations.

Koehler has yet to appear in a game, however, as he suffered a right shoulder injury during Spring Training.

The Dodgers may not need to do much shuffling in their bullpen, as there is optimism Fields will manage to return after the minimum 10 days.

As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Josh FieldsLos Angeles Dodgers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda attends a game at Dodger Stadium
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers Hall Of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda Passes Away At 93

January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
Rumors

Yankees Trade Rumors: Agreement Reached With Marlins On Giancarlo Stanton Trade

December 9, 2017
December 9, 2017
Justin Turner Foundation Golf Classic logo, 8th annual, 2024
Dodgers News

Mookie Betts & Chris Taylor Among Dodgers Participating In 8th Annual Justin Turner Golf Classic

November 18, 2024
November 19, 2024
Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Brandon Gomes: Dodgers ‘Couldn’t Be More Confident’ In Shohei Ohtani Returning As Pitcher

January 22, 2024
January 22, 2024

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