One of the biggest strengths of the Los Angeles Dodgers this season has been their lockdown bullpen. The group ranks in the top five among Major League Baseball in multiple categories, including ERA, FIP, xFIP and ground ball percentage.
The success can be attributed to numerous players enjoying bounce back seasons. Kenley Jansen is back to his usual dominant self after a disappointing 2019 campaign, while Dylan Floro, Adam Kolarek and Caleb Ferguson all are in the midst of career years.
One reliever that can’t relate is Pedro Baez, who struggled in 11 appearances before landing on the 10-day injured list with a right groin strain. The right-hander hasn’t looked like himself this season as his velocity is down.
It’s led to him striking out fewer batters, issuing more walks and an increase in home runs.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently provided an update Baez’s recovery timeline. “He’s progressing in the right direction but he’s just doing some jogging,” Roberts said. “There isn’t stretching the arm out or any kind of ‘pen, so he’s a little bit of a ways away.”
With Baez not expected back anytime soon, the Dodgers will continue relying on their current collection of relievers that have thrived in his absence. “We miss him a ton,” Roberts said.
“He’s a guy I’ve always counted on in leverage, but what happens is you give other guys opportunities and see what they can do. We’ve done that, and guys have certainly done well, but I’m anxious to get Petey back.”
Dodgers hopeful stint on IL will help Baez prepare for postseason
As Baez makes his way back from the groin strain, the Dodgers hope a stint on the IL will help him prepare for the postseason. “I hadn’t heard anything about this injury until two nights ago, so I think it’s new,” Roberts said at the time Baez was sidelined.
“I don’t think that he has been 100% physically right, for me. Hopefully this can be a good thing in the sense of getting his body back, getting this groin thing taken care of, and once we get him back we can ride him throughout the postseason.”
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