Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed some concern with the pitching staff heading into a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, and the team looked to mitigate some of the burden by using Caleb Ferguson as an opener in the first game on Tuesday.
The start was Ferguson’s seventh of the season and his and third in the last four appearances. Although the left-hander previously had success in the role, he only retired two batters in the first inning and exited with the Dodgers facing a 3-0 deficit.
Ferguson pitched again in the series finale at Coors Field, entering out the bullpen but once more failing to complete one inning.
Following the Dodgers’ 14-5 loss, manager Dave Roberts summarized Ferguson’s struggles as failing to consistently locate pitches, as seen on SportsNet LA
“It was one of those that there was just no command. I think there was a lot of bad misses, and when he put the ball in the strike zone, they were finding outfield grass. They worked walks and overall it just wasn’t good command. These last two for Fergie, just want him to put them behind him, and he’ll probably have one more outing in San Francisco. Probably on Saturday or Sunday.”
When asked if there was added concern with the recent struggles as the postseason draws near, Roberts intimated Ferguson has not yet earned a spot on the Dodgers postseason roster:
“I think you try not to think too much of the recency and look at the body of work. I know he’s frustrated. We’ll have time for those conversations, but for me, it’s just trying to find an opportunity to get him back out there to put up a zero.”
Ferguson has a 6.75 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in seven starts this season, compared to a 2.41 ERA and 1.30 WHIP as relief pitcher.
Overall in 2023, he’s 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and three saves.
What role would Caleb Ferguson have on Dodgers postseason roster?
The Dodgers expect to take somewhat of an unconventional approach with their pitching staff in the postseason, and Ferguson recently was named among the top candidates to fill an opener role.
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