The Dodgers’ Bullpen Carousel Continues: Injuries and Poor Performance
After a stellar start to the season in which the Dodger bullpen pitched consistently and effectively, the situation has devolved into a revolving mess. Yesterday the Dodgers placed reliever Tony Cingrani on the 10-day DL after Cingrani experienced discomfort after his last appearance. In a corresponding move, reliever, Pedro Baez, who was optioned to Oklahoma City just a day ago, was recalled to join the bullpen once more. Additionally, left-handed reliever, Edward Paredes was recalled to join the Dodger bullpen.
Pedro Baez and Edward Paredes will be active for today’s game. Tony Cingrani is headed to the disabled list. Caleb Ferguson is headed back to minors.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) June 7, 2018
In a season that has seen a myriad of relievers be optioned and recalled, today hurts. These moves only add to the list of reliever shuffling in order to accomodate the Dodger’s needs in the bullpen. Relievers who are still trying to find there stride in 2018 include Scott Alexander, Pat Venditte, JT Chargois, Adam Liberatore, Yimi Garcia, and Pedro Baez. All of these relievers have each been optioned to Oklahoma City and recalled at least once in the past 30 days.
Analysis
The Dodgers are looking for one or two of their reliever options to find success and move forward in 2018 with confidence and finesse. Eric Goeddel, Josh Fields, and of course closer, Kenley Jansen seem to be the only consistent and reliable options out the bullpen currently for manager Dave Roberts. If the Dodgers are going to stay in the NL West race they will need arms in the bullpen. Additionally, relievers will need to retain leads gained by an all of sudden explosive offense. The Dodgers need all-around immediate improvement among those currently in the reliever carousel.
Bellinger Bombs
I’m having a difficult time remembering the Dodgers bullpen as “steller, consistent, and effective” so far this year, unless you mean “consistently” terrible. At this point we really have no starting pitchers other than Stripling. The Dodgers should completely abandon any effort to obtain any reliable starters since the front office evidently thinks were solid. A better idea might be to put the entire pitching staff in the pen and start anyone and everyone for one inning and then bring in all the relievers to finish. At least everyone would know in advance that they will pitch in every game. All other position players don’t have the luxury of knowing when or where they will play, so what the heck, why should the pitchers? The fans are sick and tired of pitching injuries like “I’m sore today”, or “I’ve got a hang nail”, or I have a wittle blister. Put on your big boy pants and play like a real big leaguer, or find another profession.
One problem I really have with Don Mattingly err Dave Roberts is he can’t seem to get through a game without using a half dozen “pitchers”. I guess he wants to set a record for the number of guys that pitch in 75 games.
You are correct that they are still trying to find their (not “there”) stride. This season they seem snakebitten. There is plenty of time left, yes, and they are only 1.5 games out. But I suspect they will overpay for some middling pitcher(s) at the deadline and still fall short.