The 2017 season was a lost cause for Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Adam Liberatore, who battled multiple injuries that prevented him from contributing out of the bullpen.
Liberatore logged just 3.1 innings at the Major League level, after proving to be a vital piece of the Dodgers bullpen in 2016. That season, he posted a 3.38 ERA, 2.85 FIP and 1.20 WHIP over 42.2 frames.
Healthy again, Liberatore’s main focus in camp is staying on the field, which will allow him to maximize his talents on the mound, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“What matters to me is being healthy and available. For me, I feel my track record is – if I’m healthy and pitching, they want me in L.A. Whether it’s right out of camp or a week after camp. When I’m healthy and doing what I do, they’ll want me in L.A. So my focus is on being healthy.”
So far this spring, Liberatore has compiled an 8.10 ERA and 1.65 WHIP across 6.2 innings, with seven strikeouts and four walks. He retired the first nine batters faced before having his line blemished in a fourth Cactus League appearance.
Liberatore was recently among the Dodgers’ roster cuts, as he was optioned to Minor League camp. He’s one of three left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster.
Liberatore’s competition to crack the Opening Day roster was Scott Alexander and Tony Cingrani. The Dodgers may now carry seven relievers, not the eight manager Dave Roberts said was likely, which further increases the odds Liberatore begins the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
But given how the Dodgers utilize their depth, Liberatore is likely to contribute in Los Angeles at some point in the season, whether it be in April or later down the road.
