Dodgers’ Dave Roberts On Hyun-Jin Ryu’s and Kenta Maeda’s Potential Roles
A lot of questions were answered yesterday when Dave Roberts told reporters that Hyu-Jin Ryu and Kenta Maeda are both competing for a spot in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Hyun-Jin Ryu and Kenta Maeda will get to audition for the postseason bullpen in the coming days, Dave Roberts said.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) September 19, 2017
Ryu and Maeda have both been consistently average all year long, with ERAs of 3.46 and 4.21, respectively. Both also recently pitched against the Arizona Diamondbacks and they did well, each giving up just one run against the potential postseason opponent.
There have been a lot of speculation that Alex Wood could be pushed to the bullpen for the playoffs to work as a lefty specialty. However, after hearing this from Dave Roberts, it now appears that Wood has earned the starting role. Considering the health of the Dodgers’ bullpen, Ryu, Maeda, or maybe even both could be just what is needed. Baez has really struggled as of late and it has especially come to life after Tuesday’s loss to the Phillies.
In addition to Ryu and Maeda, Brandon McCarthy will also get the chance to prove his worth in the bullpen. McCarthy has been on the DL for quite some time but has had a good year. Many are excited for his return and potential playoff impact. With the Magic number down to two, it’s decision-making time for Roberts.
Can’t we have both – one lefty and one righty? I would feel more comfortable with either of them than most of the guys Coach currently pulls in? From Stripling to Fields to Avilan, I would prefer either Rye or Maeda. The one guy who seems most credible is Morrow. Not sure at all about Watson or Cingari (sp?).