Dodgers News: Mike Bolsinger Credits Spring For Improvement
This offseason, the new front office for the Los Angeles Dodgers made many changes in order to fix the team. The most prevalent problem was the team’s depth, or lack thereof, which is why they acquired players such as Mike Bolsinger.
Bolsinger made his MLB debut last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks and struggled, going 1-6 in nine starts. He allowed a total of 32 runs in 52.1 innings, issuing 18 total walks.
While most teams would write him off, the Dodgers saw his potential and traded for him on Nov. 22 for cash considerations. After spending some time with the club in Spring Training, Bolsinger picked up some tips from the more experienced pitching staf, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 Radio:
Mike Bolsinger said watching how Kershaw,McCarthy,Anderson prep in bullpen before starts helped him & has been big reason for success
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 22, 2015
Although Bolsinger did not make the final cut for the MLB club, the right-hander has proven his worth at Triple A Oklahoma City.
In two games, he has pitched 11 innings and has yet to allow a run. He is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 17 strikeouts, and has only allowed three hits and three walks. He has also held opponents to a .088 batting average, with a WHIP of .055.
The Dodgers and Bolsinger hope he can continue this success in the MLB against the rival San Francisco Giants, as he has been recalled to make a spot start in the final game of a three games series on Thursday. The right-hander did not have much success against the Giants last season, but hopefully his newfound knowledge can help him improve.
While it is obvious the pitcher has utilized what he observed from the other pitchers, he must be able to translate this to the MLB. Being a great minor league pitcher does not allows mean immediate success at the next level.
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