Four Possible Fixes to Fortify a Faltering Dodgers Bullpen

Four Possible Fixes for Dodgers Bullpen

Get Healthy and Let Them Find it

Michael Kopech, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, and Brock Stewart have all spent significant time on the injured list thus far. It may take several outings to find their groove again. However, Kopech and Yates have had several outings to “find it,” and yet they still struggle. There are signs that Scott and Treinen are trending in the right direction. However, Los Angeles can ill afford to be patient with only nine games left in the regular season and the National League West still up for grabs. The sooner they find fixes, the better.

Piggyback Starters

The Dodgers’ starters have had the best ERA in baseball since August 1st at just over 2.00. They also have a six-man rotation. In a short series, such as in the Wild Card or Division Series round, Los Angeles would only need three starters. They could move the other three to the bullpen. It would be easy to see a scenario where Emmet Sheehan could finish a game started by Tyler Glasnow or Clayton Kershaw. This way, neither pitcher would have to face the opposing lineup three times. Each pitcher could go four or five innings, and the Dodgers could avoid pouring kerosene on a fire.

New Blood

Los Angeles has a reservoir of bullpen arms at Triple-A Oklahoma City that could be added to the roster to replace struggling arms. Brock Stewart, Kyle Hurt, and Ben Casparius seem to be viable right-handed options if the likes of Yates and Kopech continue to flounder. Adding to the intrigue is the possibility of Roki Sasaki becoming a relief option. The young hurler has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since May. Manager Dave Roberts announced that they were going to experiment with Sasaki out of the bullpen. The right-hander had his first outing this week. He struck out a couple of batters, touching 100 mph, and didn’t allow a run. He will have another opportunity to be a reliever later this week. It will be something to watch.

Ohtani as Closer?

Shohei Ohtani expressed his willingness to play the outfield as the need arises. Presumably, as an option to come in and pitch in relief. However, Roberts poured cold water on the possibility. Still, if things get crazy and the Dodgers needed a multi-inning save to close out a postseason series, don’t be surprised if the Dodgers reprised the “Walker Buehler as closer role.” Only this time, Ohtani would be playing it.

Whatever route Los Angeles chooses to bolster the bullpen, they hope that there’s a World Series ring at the end of it.