Reinforcements are on the way for the Dodgers bullpen as three relievers have all joined the Triple-A Oklahoma City club on rehab assignments.
Daniel Hudson, Jimmy Nelson and Phil Bickford all are on the right path to make it back to the big leagues after dealing with different injuries.
Between the three pitchers, Bickford is the only one to have seen any real action this season. However, it hasn't been pretty for him as his ERA sits at 7.33 for the year.
The hope is that he will be able to come back stronger after dealing with some lower back tightness. He was a key player in the bullpen last season but has really struggled to replicate the results from last year — just like most of the team's bullpen.
As for Hudson, he is working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in the middle of last season. Prior to his injury, Hudson was one of the more reliable pieces within the bullpen so getting him back could really boost this Dodgers pen. Hudson posted an ERA of just 2.22 last season in 25 games, adding in five saves as well.
The Dodgers likely aren't expecting him to be the same pitcher as he was last year but if he is able to give them even some semblance of production, it will be helpful.
And finally, Nelson has been out since Spring Training with elbow inflammation. He has seen a few setbacks in his journey to returning from Tommy John surgery and the hope is that this time, he will be able to log some innings for the Dodgers.
Over 28 games pitched in 2021, Nelson had an ERA of just 1.86 and was extremely productive out on the field. If he can return to full health, he will be a key figure in the LA bullpen for the rest of the season.
All three of these players could help the Dodgers bullpen which has struggled mightily this year. They will take all the help they can get and could be seeing some relief quite soon.
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