The Los Angeles Dodgers have developed a culture of trusting every player in the clubhouse and not being deterred by injuries or other challenges that arise during the course of the season. Manager Dave Roberts consistently touts the next-man-up mentality.
With the team now in the World Series for a fourth time in the last eight years, it can be argued Brent Honeywell is the prime example of that culture for the 2024 Dodgers. Both for his contributions during the National League Championship Series and when not on the active roster.
While Honeywell was lauded by Roberts and teammates for preserving the Dodgers bullpen in a blowout loss to the New York Mets during Game 5, he also appears to have been instrumental in Mookie Betts emerging from his playoff struggles.
During an interview with David Vassegh on SportsNet LA, Muncy raved about the various ways Honeywell is capable of contributing, which included throwing live batting practice during the NL Division Series.
That led to Honeywell revealing he purposely grooved pitches to Betts during one of those sessions:
“I fed him down the middle and said, ‘Crank that [expletive] out of the ballpark.’ That’s what I said. I told all three of them, ‘I’m throwing it down the middle and I want you to hit it as far as you can.'”
Honeywell did not make the Dodgers’ playoff roster for the NLDS, but was among the pitchers to keep active during their bye week and off days between games against the San Diego Padres.
One of those instances was at Petco Park, the night before Game 3. The Dodgers lost 6-5, but Betts had multiple hits, including a home run.
Brent Honeywell is facing Mookie Betts, Chris Taylor and Andy Pages. pic.twitter.com/27ngDDZ9Zx
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) October 8, 2024
Betts had another homer and multi-hit performance in Game 4 as the Dodgers staved off elimination and eventually took the series.
During the NLCS, Betts batted .346/.452/.731 with four doubles, two home runs and nine RBI. He likely would’ve won the NLCS MVP Award if not for a remarkable performance by Tommy Edman.
Will Brent Honeywell stay on Dodgers roster for World Series?
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman suggested it’s possible one of or both, Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia will be added onto the Dodgers’ roster for the World Series.
If either are added, it will require the Dodgers to take a pitcher off. Honeywell conceivably could be in that conversation, but he may have an edge on the likes of Landon Knack or Edgardo Henriquez.
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