A byproduct of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation being decimated by injuries is the bullpen has had to carry a heavy workload through the first half of the season. Although it at times has seemed shaky and perhaps been overused, the bullpen has posted strong numbers.
Dodgers relievers have combined to hold opponents to a .201 batting average and .615 on-base plus slugging percentage, both of which lead the Majors. What’s more, the Los Angeles bullpen ranks first in the National League with a 3.10 ERA, which trails only that of the Kansas City Royals (2.74 ERA).
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently attributed some of the success to the comfort level growing between himself and the relievers. While the bullpen has served as a bright spot, it hasn’t immune to injury.
Yimi Garcia was removed from a relief appearance on April 22 due to biceps soreness, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list the following day. With Garcia recovering at a slow pace, the Dodgers transferred the right-hander to the 60-day DL when Julio Urias was called up for his Major League debut on May 27.
After several weeks of not being able to so much as pick up a baseball, Garcia recently started throwing off the mound, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California news group:
But Garcia made enough progress in June to begin a throwing program, and now he’s throwing off a mound. There is no hard timetable for his return.
Garcia sported a 3.24 ER, 2.84 FIP and 1.20 WHIP in just 8.1 innings prior to landing on the DL.
He ranked second on the team last season with 59 appearances, and posted a 3.34 ERA over 56.2 innings pitched.
Roberts estimated on Friday that Garcia is two weeks away from beginning a rehab assignment.
