Dodgers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training on Thursday. As we count down to the opening of camp, we’re assessing the roster, position by position. Today, a look at the bullpen. Previously: starting rotation, outfielders, infielders, catchers.
2023 RECAP
The Dodgers’ bullpen went from a massive liability to a strength over the course of the 2023 season. The relievers had a 5.05 ERA through the first 23 games of the season. In mid-June, it was still 4.98 and only the woeful Oakland A’s had a higher bullpen ERA. But things turned around from there and the Dodgers’ bullpen was one of the best in baseball over the final three months of the season. Ryan Brasier was released by the Boston Red Sox in late May but had a 0.70 ERA in 39 games with the Dodgers. Brusdar Graterol had the best season of his career, going 4-2 with a 1.20 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in a career-high 68 games. Joe Kelly was re-acquired at the trade deadline and allowed just three hits while striking out 19 in 10⅓ innings back in a Dodger uniform. After a slow start, Evan Phillips regained his form and eventually settled in as the closer, converting 24 of 27 save situations.
HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW
A key figure in last season’s bullpen turnaround, Brasier is an unsigned free agent, pursued by multiple teams. Shelby Miller has already left as a free agent, signing with the Detroit Tigers. But the rest of the bullpen mix looks very familiar. Phillips and Graterol are back as the back-end foundation. Kelly re-signed for one year and $8 million. Left-handers Caleb Ferguson and Alex Vesia are back. Veteran relievers Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson and J.P. Feyereisen are all potential additions at some point early in the season. Treinen and Feyereisen both missed the 2023 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. Hudson’s season ended in June when he suffered a second knee injury. Acquired at midseason, lefty Ryan Yarbrough returns in a swing man role.
THE NEXT…
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