For a team that’s heavily relied on their relievers over recent seasons, that the Los Angeles Dodgers intend to carry an eight-man bullpen this year is hardly a surprise. They opened camp with a bevy of new options when compared to last season.
The Dodgers acquired Scott Alexander in a three-team trade with the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox, signed starter-turned-reliever Tom Koehler to a one-year contract, and saw the return of Yimi Garcia from Tommy John surgery.
Some of the depth took a hit as Koehler was diagnosed with a mild sprain of the anterior capsule in his right shoulder. Koehler won’t require surgery, but he isn’t certain if the injury will keep him sidelined for weeks or months.
Although one option has been removed for an unspecified time, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is already forecasting to have Alexander, Pedro Baez, Tony Cingrani, Kenley Jansen and Ross Stripling in the bullpen on Opening Day, per Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
In addition to Jansen, Roberts listed right-handers Pedro Baez and Ross Stripling and left-handers Scott Alexander and Tony Cingrani as locks for what is expected to be an eight-man bullpen.
Roberts’ announcement doesn’t wield any surprise. Assuming good health, Alexander, Cingrani and Jansen were locks to be included. Meanwhile, Stripling carries additional value as an option to start or pitch out of the bullpen.
Even with Baez’s struggles last season, Roberts and the Dodgers maintained their confidence in the right-hander. Koehler’s injury does create a window of opportunity for Wilmer Font (who is out of Minor League options), Josh Fields, Garcia and Adam Liberatore.
Despite shouldering a heavy workload last season, the Dodgers bullpen ranked first in the National League and fourth overall in both ERA (3.38) and opponents’ on-base plus slugging percentage (.660).
