Editorials

Dodgers Bullpen Gets Youthful Ray of Hope During Hot Streak

There are lot of positives you can take from winning eight of nine and moving within four games of the divisional lead, but the one that most caught my eye was also the hardest to see: Jose Dominguez.

Standing at just 6-feet and 160 pounds, the 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic isn’t exactly a physical specimen.



And then, he starts throwing fastballs.

In his major league debut, Dominguez struck out Delmon Young with fastballs registered at 99, 99 and 101 to retire the first batter he faced.

Mix in 83 MPH off-speed stuff and Dominguez is promising to say the least.

Of course, it’s just one game — and three batters — but amongst a unit in desperate need of improvement, Dominguez is the first real sign that the answers might be under their nose.

Chris Withrow, who was recalled from AAA on Sunday, was also back in the bullpen for the Dodgers, but after hitting 98 on the gun himself, he ended up giving up Philadelphia’s only run of the night.

Withrow has flashed some promise, but still seems to need some adjusting before settling into a regular, consistent role.

Regardless, the news on Sunday was all good — another win, another Puigsplosion and some bright spots in the bullpen.

At the very least, things are starting to get interesting.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

2 Comments

  1. While the batting was needed, the steady starting rotation and improving bullpen since Kenley became closer, is just as significant. The only one in the pen that still gives me a quesy feeling is Belisario. I think Howell has earned the setup role at this point.

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