As the Los Angeles Dodgers await the return of Tony Gonsolin, they again relied on a bullpen game in Tuesday’s matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals.
David Price served as the opener for a third time this season and gave up two runs in 1.2 innings of work. He was followed by six other relievers who combined to allow just one run over the remainder of the game.
Among the group were Phil Bickford and Nate Jones, who continue making a good impression with their new team. Bickford retired all three batters faced and Jones provided two scoreless innings.
“Both of them have really good fastballs, they use their breaking ball to keep you honest,” Will Smith said of what makes Bickford and Jones so effective. “They keep their fastball where they need to. They’re both swing-and-miss fastballs.
“Jones used the slider a little more [Tuesday] and got some swing and miss. Those are two big right arms we’ve got in the ‘pen. Two new additions and they’re filing a role and helping us out.”
Bickford, claimed off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers in early May, has yet to allow a run in five innings with the Dodgers. Jones, who signed with the Dodgers after being released by the Atlanta Braves, has pitched to a 2.84 ERA in five appearances.
Another reliever who found success in Tuesday’s contest against the Cardinals was Joe Kelly, who struck out three batters in 1.1 innings. “He looked really good,” Smith said.
“His fastball was coming out really good, threw a couple good changeups to Goldschmidt and struck him out on it. He’s just got to keep going. That’s a huge arm in our ‘pen for us. More nights like this would be great from him, and I think we’ll have plenty more.”
Kelly, reinstated off the injured list in early May, has posted a 7.56 ERA in nine games thus far. He appears to be trending in the right direction, however, logging scoreless appearances in three of his last four outings.
Dodgers welcome back Nelson
The Dodgers bullpen gained another key contributor on Thursday when Jimmy Nelson was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been out since May 23 due to right forearm inflammation.
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