Still enduring the rigors of balancing health with the current roster, the Los Angeles Dodgers have found some stability in their bullpen, leading to solid play as of late.
A rash of injuries to the starting rotation has increased the reliance on their relief core, playing them in the top-five of combined innings (436.2). Entering play on Aug. 6, Dodgers’ relievers have a combined 3.55 ERA with a .223 batting average allowed, fifth-best in Major League Baseball.
However, prior to their recent run, they took a step back, enduring a few blow-up outings, showing their wear and tear.
Thankfully, in their last five games dating back to July 31, the Dodgers’ bullpen has allowed just two earned runs, garnering praise from manager Dave Roberts, per Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group:
“It’s been next level,” Roberts said of the bullpen’s performance of late. “I said (Sunday), there has been a lot of noise and things with the bullpen always get more magnified when things aren’t going well but for those guys to be resilient and to keep leaning on each other and being ready when called upon, it’s been impactful.”
A big part of that equation is newcomer Michael Kopech, whom the Dodgers acquired in the three team deal that also brought Tommy Edman to the club. Kopech, a hard-throwing right-hander, flashes a big time arsenal with back-end of the bullpen potential.
They’ve combined for a 0.96 ERA in that stretch, second-best in MLB. Utilizing Daniel Hudson and Anthony Banda to close out games amidst Evan Phillips’ odd patch, has shown the versatility and the trust Roberts has in his group, as well.
Same as in recent years, the Dodgers usually solidify a way to keep regularity in their bullpen. Heath-willing, they also have a number of reinforcements on the horizon.
Dodgers bullpen pieces returning
After placing Blake Treinen on the injured list, the Dodgers activated Brusdar Graterol on Monday, his first action in the 2024 season.
Also in the cards are Ryan Brasier and Michael Grove, with the latter closer to returning. The odd man out of the current group could be right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr., whom the Dodgers have received quality production from.
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