Dodgers News: Chris Hatcher Benefitting From Improved Mentality

The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has been a disappointment this year as the team has struggled to find consistency from numerous relievers. Among those added to the bullpen that hasn’t quite panned out as envisioned is Chris Hatcher.

After serving as the Opening Day closer while Kenley Jansen was recovering from offseason foot surgery, Hatcher’s success was nonexistent. An oblique injury forced him to the 15-day disabled list back in June and later transferred to the 60-day DL in a paper move to clear room on the roster for players acquired in trades with the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins.

Although he struggled this season, Hatcher has seen better results since returning in August. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Hatcher said his mentality has improved:

It was more of a mental thing,” Hatcher said of his early tailspin. “I had too much to think about. If things didn’t go well or I was unlucky, I’d pout, I guess you’d say. Now I move on. If I give up a hit, I give up a hit, and move on to the next one. Forget about what happened the first part of the year. I kind of let stuff blow up on me instead of minimized things.”

Prior to landing on the DL, the 30 year old from North Carolina was 1-4 with a 6.38 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 1.59 WHIP and 19 strikeouts over 27 games (18.1 innings), including two saves, two blown saves and seven holds.

Since returning from injury, Hatcher has a 1.93 ERA, 0.643 WHIP, and five strikeouts over six games. He’s faced 17 batters allowing only two hits and issuing one walk. Moreover, five of Hatcher’s last six relief appearances have been scoreless efforts