After Eduardo Rodriguez invoked his no-trade clause to remain with the Detroit Tigers, the Los Angeles Dodgers pivoted to acquiring Ryan Yarbrough from the Kansas City Royals in what has been an underrated move at the deadline.
Yarbrough filled a hybrid role with the Royals but has exclusively pitched out of the bullpen since joining the Dodgers. He has excelled to the tune of a 3-0 record, 1.86 ERA, 3.10 FIP and 0.83 WHIP in 19.1 innings across six appearances entering play Sunday.
Yarbrough has enjoyed his time with the Dodgers so far, largely because of how the clubhouse is tight knit. “There’s really great team chemistry, first and foremost,” he explained. “The amount of fun guys are having out on the field, the camaraderie really stands out.
“It’s not just on the field, but everything we do in the clubhouse, on the road and everything like that. You feed off each other when that happens. It’s been really fun to become a part of.
“And then you’ve just got incredible players on this team up and down the lineup, the whole starting rotation and whole bullpen. Everyone has been stepping up and it’s really fun to be a part of.”
Yarbrough is one of several players who have thrived since being acquired by the Dodgers, and their collective success has contributed to the team going 24-7 since the August 1 trade deadline.
“I’m just a part of it. Whatever they need me to do, I’m here to help,” Yarbrough said of the Dodgers’ record since joining the club. “When you are acquired by a team like this who has these expectations and is in this position, the biggest thing is you just want to be available.
“‘Whatever you guys want, I’m here for it.’ Just to be a part of this, the success, the camaraderie, the fun we’re having, it’s been great to come to the ballpark every day.”
Ryan Yarbrough finding success in familiar role
The Dodgers have used Yarbrough as the bulk pitcher following openers or a starter, which is a role he took on with the Tampa Bay Rays at the beginning of his career.
“I think it’s been pretty fluid,” Yarbrough answered when asked if his role is in line with what the Dodgers outlined. “It’s something I was used to doing early in my career when I was with Tampa. I think it was just a matter of I knew Pepiot was going to start and basically have a normal day.
“I knew I was going to come in second, and if everything is rolling and in a great situation like we were in, just hopefully finish the thing off. But you don’t really think about it. You just focus on the inning at hand and the task at hand.
“But that was kind of the plan and every inning you want to feed off it and keep going.”
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