In the weeks leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline the Los Angeles Dodgers were mentioned among the teams that were in search of pitching, particularly relievers. General manager confirmed as much even after the club traded for Manny Machado.
At the time, Zaidi said the Dodgers would monitor both starting and relief pitchers. Los Angeles was connected to several high-end relievers, including some closers, but ultimately passed on making a splash as it pertained to the bullpen.
Instead, the Dodgers acquired John Axford from the Toronto Blue Jays. The veteran right-hander was particularly effective against left-handed batters during the first half of the season, and brought with him closer’s experience.
That might further come into play now that Kenley Jansen was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to an irregular heartbeat that may sideline him for at least one month.
What it means for the Dodgers bullpen in the interim is unknown, but Axford expressed confidence the group is situated to handle anything thrown in their direction, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com:
“We’re all prepared for whatever they’re going to throw at us out there,” Axford said on the pressure the bullpen might face in Jansen’s absence. “As far as our conversations as been going, we’re prepared for anything.”
On the surface, Axford’s success against opposite batters fills a void for the Dodgers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously highlighted the club lacking a lefty specialist since Tony Cingrani was placed on the 10-day disabled list.
While Axford stumbled in his Dodgers debut, he bounced back Friday night with an encouraging appearance.
After Joc Pederson took a questionable route on a fly ball that resulted in a leadoff triple, Axford retired the next three batters faced, stranding the runner, and giving the Dodgers an opportunity to tie the game with one swing of the bat in the ninth.
