The Los Angeles Dodgers’ relief corps has been a revolving door in the early stages of the regular season. With the month of April nearly complete, already 12 different pitchers have logged a minimum of one inning out of the bullpen.
As it currently stands, the Dodgers are carrying a nine-man bullpen. That’s despite recently designating Wilmer Font for assignment to make room for Walker Buehler’s inclusion on the 25-man roster.
Buehler has since been optioned to High-A Rancho Cucamonga, where he’ll remain until his next turn in the starting rotation on Saturday. Daniel Hudson took his place on the roster, and tossed a scoreless seventh inning in his debut on Tuesday.
Further reinforcements could potentially be on the way, as right-hander Yimi Garcia looks to return to the Majors after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2016.
The 27-year-old is currently rehabbing with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he has made five appearances thus far. In 4.1 innings, he has posted a 4.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with two strikeouts and no walks.
Despite some early, positive results, Garcia isn’t expected to be in the mix for a promotion until May at the earliest, per J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
Yimi Garcia, who remains on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City, might not be in the mix for a major league bullpen spot until May. “We just kind of are sensitive to having two years off and to check all the boxes, to then have him ready and finish the season without restrictions,” Roberts said. “Next month sometime is feasible.”
Garcia’s time with Oklahoma City is also no longer considered a rehab assignment, as he was formally optioned to the affiliate. A healthy and effective Garcia will only further bolster the Dodgers’ bullpen, which has received solid contributions from a wide range of arms.
Garcia has one, full season of work at the Major League level under his belt. That came in 2015, when he pitched to a 3.34 ERA, 3.20 FIP and 0.95 WHIP over 56.2 innings with 68 strikeouts to just 10 walks, while additionally recording his first career save as well.
In 75 career frames, Garcia owns a 3.12 ERA, 3.31 FIP and 0.95 WHIP with 81 strikeouts to 12 walks.
