The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Casey Fien to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday. Los Angeles claimed Fien off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.
In 14 games with the Twins this season, Fien posted a 7.90 ERA, 6.73 FIP and 1.76 WHIP. He often fell victim to the home run, allowing five in 13.2 innings pitched. A positive to be taken from Fien’s work thus far is his 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest it has been since 2013.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke highly of Fien’s command and said he’s a pitcher who competes. Justin Turner, who faced Fien in college, also said the right-hander is a competitor. Now in his seventh Major League season, the veteran reliever figures to be an option that may help stabilize what’s been an inconsistent Dodgers bullpen.
The struggles led to manager Dave Roberts recently changing roles, and going with Pedro Baez and Joe Blanton as the primary setup men. It’s a role Chris Hatcher previously occupied, but has been bumped out of, at least for now, due to the trouble he’s encountered.
If the Dodgers are to recall Fien from Oklahoma City at some point, Baez and Adam Liberatore are relievers who have options. Liberatore has tossed 6.2 scoreless innings over nine relief appearances after getting recalled from Oklahoma City.
