For many years under former manager Don Mattingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was its biggest weakness, as the group struggled to protect leads or keep games close. However, that all changed last season under first-year manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers’ bullpen not only logged the most innings pitched in the Majors, but they also owned the lowest ERA in baseball. Having ranked the top-10 players at each position, ESPN’s Buster Olney recently turned his attention to bullpens, and ranked the Dodgers’ group of relievers as fifth-best overall.
Kenley Jansen, the backbone of the bullpen, is returning as he re-signed with the club on a five-year deal. Jansen will presumably be joined by some relievers who unexpectedly were big contributors in 2016 such as, Grant Dayton and Adam Liberatore.
Although re-signing Jansen was crucial, if not downright necessary, the Dodgers may suffer a significant loss should Joe Blanton not return. The veteran right-hander emerged as the primary set-up man in his first full season as a relief pitcher.
Blanton went 7-2 with a 2.48 ERA, 3.33 FIP and 1.01 WHIP in 75 appearances. Los Angeles does have internal options to replace Blanton in Pedro Baez or Dayton. In addition to Blanton, the club has been linked to free agents Greg Holland and Neftali Feliz, among others.
However, what may inhibit the Dodgers’ ability to complete their bullpen is a reported desire to sign relief pitchers to one-year contracts. With an influx of starting pitching, one of Brandon McCarthy, Ross Stripling or Alex Wood could see themselves transitioning to a role out of the bullpen this season.
