Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Addresses Dodgers Bullpen Struggles
The Dodgers are playing without a designated closer for the first time in years. They also have one of the highest ERAs in the majors in their bullpen.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Addresses Dodgers Bullpen Struggles
Despite having a respectable win-loss record in the National League, the Dodgers are having significant issues, particularly with their bullpen. They have had a difficult season in that regard, having one of baseball’s weakest bullpens.
The team has a 4.76 ERA and is now 27th in MLB, although its splits are unclear. a 2.70 road rating and an MLB-best 3.13 rating at home.
Dave Roberts on the #Dodgers bullpen game and his takeaways going forward. pic.twitter.com/Pbn7FCWKlv
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 11, 2023
However, injuries cannot account for the bullpen’s subpar performance, which ranks 27th in the majors with a 4.76 ERA, only outperforming the Oakland A’s, Kansas City Royals, and Washington Nationals, all of which are in last place. Among the relievers, only Phil Bickford (and his 7.33 ERA) and Tyler Cyr (two scoreless appearances) are on the injured list.
Dodgers Bullpen is STINKY https://t.co/mU44gOcn3m
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) June 8, 2023
What’s more, this year they don’t have a designated closer, which is a first for manager Dave Roberts.
https://twitter.com/MandyNicole38/status/1667352167769075714?s=20
But keep it a secret from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts that there is a connection between the two and that Evan Phillips being the team’s primary closer may help with some of the team’s late-game troubles.
#Dodgers bullpen game pic.twitter.com/2FGGIrfPgV
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 11, 2023
The duties of pitchers in the bullpen have become less clear-cut without a specialized closer. Although he has thrown as early as the fifth inning this season, Evan Phillips leads the club with seven saves. During the ninth inning, four other arms have also contributed. several contend that the success of several Dodgers bullpen arms has been hampered by the absence of definite roles or designated innings.
Could a Liam Hendricks Trade Fix Dodgers Bullpen Problem? | Follow DodgersNation
More details here:https://t.co/mkgVBIS7Wy— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 10, 2023
“I think there is a little bit of too much emphasis on the dedicated closer,” Roberts said Saturday. “There were a lot of people calling for (Craig) Kimbrel to be gone last year … and having a dedicated closer, saying it wasn’t helpful to our ’pen.”
Dave Roberts Admits Managing Dodgers Bullpen Has Been More Challenging This Year | Follow DodgersNation
More details here:https://t.co/jOqVVV2lXR— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 11, 2023
“It has [been more challenging]. Whether it’s a dedicated closer or a high-leverage arm like Blake Treinen or Daniel Hudson, it changes the dynamic. This is just the nature of the game. It provides opportunities for other guys, and that’s when you see what you have. We hope to get Hudson back in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime, we’re still evaluating,” says Roberts.
“You have to peel back individual performance. And I think that individually, guys are not pitching to their capabilities.”
Dodgers bullpen is one of the worst in the league, so naturally they decided to throw a bullpen game on the road instead of calling up a 5th starter. Just brilliant.
— Klein25 (@Klein25) June 11, 2023
Is that volatility to blame for the bullpen issues the Dodgers are having?
“I don’t think so,” Friedman said. “But again, predicting bullpen performance from one year to the next is extremely challenging. If guys’ stuff was up and down, if there were injury concerns with these guys I would be more concerned. I think there’s some pitch execution, some location, some giving opposing hitters too much credit. We’ve got to get back on the aggressive (side) of getting ahead and then dictating the at-bat as opposed to the at-bat being dictated to us.”
Final: Dodgers 4 – Phillies 5
Attn: Andrew Friedman @Dodgers,
Our BULLPEN is not doing their JOB… Worst in the National League with a 4.74 ERA!!!
Sincerely,
Dodger-Fans pic.twitter.com/x6bQjKe8xV
— Bleednblue (@BleednblueJohn) June 10, 2023
Similar signs include a paucity of strikeouts and an inability to finish off batters, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts may have downplayed the importance of a closer, but there is still cause for worry because this past week saw a spike in tension.
The #Dodgers are going without a designated closer for the first time in years. And their bullpen has performed as poorly as it has in even more years. Dave Roberts doesn't think the two are related. But a reliable high-leverage reliever would be nice. https://t.co/vmK2EbuHz1
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 10, 2023
The Dodgers’ 12 bullpen losses are among the worst among teams with legitimate World Series ambitions.
Though it may be weeks before they can make a difference, there is optimism that injured pitchers who have been placed on the injured list can offer some respite.
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