For a better part of the 2018 season, a glut of injuries in the starting rotation forced the Los Angeles Dodgers to rely on young pitchers that weren’t expected to contribute much at the big league level this season.
One of those pitchers was left-hander Caleb Ferguson, who was a 38th-round draft pick in 2014. The 22-year-old came up and started a few games, but when all the other starters recovered from their respective injuries, he transitioned into a long relief role.
Ferguson has been dominant in that capacity, pitching to a 1.29 ERA and 0.76 WHIP while striking out 27 and walking just two in 21 innings over nine appearances.
Because of how solid he has been, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ferguson will now pitch more frequently and in shorter stints, via Dodger Insider:
Roberts said the days of three-inning stints for Ferguson are probably over. More one or two inning stints so he can be available more frequently.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 5, 2018
Given his experience as a starter, a bulk of Ferguson’s relief appearances have come in blowout victories so he could eat up innings. The 22-year-old notched a pair of three-inning saves but has earned his way into a more high-leverage role though, which was the case in his last couple appearances.
Outside of closer Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers bullpen hasn’t really had distinct roles in 2018. But the likes of Ferguson, Scott Alexander and Dylan Floro have been pitching at an extremely high level in recent weeks, so look for them to continue pitching in late-game situations.
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