For much of the 2018 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was patched together due to injuries and the front office not spending on a big-name reliever last offseason.
Leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline, many viewed bolstering the bullpen as the Dodgers’ biggest need. Instead, they acquired a pair of All-Star infielders in Manny Machado and Brian Dozier to sure up the offense.
Los Angeles did make one bullpen acquisition, although it was a minor one as they traded for veteran John Axford from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Axford was in the midst of a mediocre season with Toronto, posting a 4.41 ERA, 4.02 FIP and 1.26 WHIP while striking out 50 and walking 20 in 51 innings across 45 games.
The trade for Axford didn’t end up paying off for the Dodgers as his tenure with the club got off to a disastrous start when he gave up three hits, two walks and six runs while recording just one out in his debut on Aug. 4 against the Houston Astros.
Due to an injury, Axford only made five total appearances with the Dodgers, yielding a 17.18 ERA, 3.43 FIP and 2.73 WHIP with four strikeouts and two walks in 3.2 innings.
After missing around a month, Axford was able to return at the end of September and make two appearances, but he was not put on any of the postseason rosters, marking the end of his season.
2018 Highlight
After a rough debut with the Dodgers, Axford was able to bounce back with two strong appearances against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in what was a big series for the Dodgers.
On Aug. 10, Axford tossed a shutout inning against Colorado, and then he came back on Aug. 12 and pitched two scoreless frames. He gave up just one hit in the two outings while striking out four.
2019 Outlook
Axford is now a free agent, and a return to the Dodgers is unlikely. If the 35-year-old cannot get a Major League deal this winter, he will certainly receive an opportunity from someone on a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
