Dodgers Calling Up Electric Bullpen Arm Acquired From Rockies

Halvorsen, 26, was acquired from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for prospects Nick Frasso and Landyn Vidourek in a trade on July 20. Following the acquisition, Los Angeles optioned Halvorsen to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he hasn't allowed a run in six appearances.

During his time in the majors with Colorado this season, Halvorsen struggled mightily with his control. It's been a recurring theme throughout his brief big-league career, as he walked 15 batters in 19 innings this season. Overall, he posted a 4.74 ERA across 21 appearances, with opposing hitters batting .272 against him.

So why did the Dodgers go out of their way to acquire a reliever who has had little success in the major leagues? Well, it's simple: Halvorsen throws gas.

This season, Halvorsen's fastball has averaged 98.8 mph. Over the previous two years, that number sat at 100 mph, with the right-hander consistently reaching 102 mph. He throws his four-seamer 63 percent of the time while also mixing in a slider and splitter.

If Halvorsen can fine-tune his control and consistently throw strikes, he has more than enough potential to become a dominant threat out of the bullpen. Los Angeles and pitching coach Mark Prior have become known for helping pitchers turn their careers around.

One recent example, albeit with a completely different pitching profile, was left-hander Anthony Banda. Before arriving in Los Angeles, Banda had never posted a season with an ERA below 4.00. He went on to record an ERA below 3.20 in each of his two seasons with the Dodgers and became a trusted reliever in some of their biggest postseason games.

Additionally, despite possessing an abundance of talented arms, the Dodgers' pitching staff has struggled greatly over the past couple of weeks. Since the calendar flipped to August, Los Angeles has posted a 5.27 team ERA while going 1-7.

After acquiring Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, many assumed the Dodgers would become an unstoppable force and steamroll their way straight to the World Series. However, they too have shown plenty of weaknesses.

With Halvorsen getting the call and more pitching help on the way, the reigning champs could soon be back at full strength. Blake Snell is set to return to the rotation tomorrow, while Tyler Glasnow isn't far behind.

Los Angeles will look to get back on track tonight against the Royals at 10:10 p.m. ET.