The Los Angeles Dodgers made up ground in a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night thanks to Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman shouldering the offensive burden, but it was the bullpen that helped lead them to victory.
Bobby Miller — in his second start since returning to the rotation — gave up three earned runs in two innings of work. He was removed from the game early, leaving the bullpen to cover seven innings of work. They did so in shutout fashion, combining to toss seven scoreless innings between six pitchers.
The Dodgers used Michael Petersen, Yohan Ramirez, Anthony Banda, Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson and Evan Phillips, leaving only two unused relievers. For Freeman, it was the bullpen’s collective effort that brought the Dodgers the win over his and Ohtani’s offensive work, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Seven innings from pretty much almost everyone except for Vesia and Yarbs,” Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “A lot of guys have to be perfect and that’s hard to do. But they stepped up.
“To cover seven innings is a lot. Gotta give credit to the bullpen. That’s why we won.”
The Dodgers bullpen has been through plenty of turnover of injury so far in 2024, but they continue to excel and be one of the best relief crews in the sport. And without having to use Ryan Yarbrough or Alex Vesia, they should still have some decent coverage if length is needed during Wednesday’s game.
Petersen, after taking two innings on Tuesday, is unlikely to be available. But the other five pitchers needed between 12 and 16 pitches to get through their outings. At least some of that group should be available if another long bullpen game is needed.
Alex Vesia has grown into high-leverage reliever in Dodgers bullpen
The Dodgers bullpen has been a strength this season led by Phillips, who has established himself as one of the best closers in baseball, and includes other standouts such as Vesia, Treinen and Hudson.
Vesia is in his fourth season with the Dodgers, and outside of an inconsistent 2023 campaign, has been one of the team’s most reliable relievers in recent years.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credited Vesia for taking a step forward this year and being a dependable high-leverage arm.
Manager Dave Roberts praised Vesia for being a pitcher he can rely on in high-leverage situations after some rough stretches throughout his career.
