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 spent most of the winter as an unsigned free agent, pursued by multiple teams, before re-signing with the Dodgers. Shelby Miller did leave as a free agent, signing with the Detroit Tigers, and Caleb Ferguson was traded to the New York Yankees. 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-hander Alex Vesia returns. 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. Another lefty, Matt Gage, was added in the trade with the Yankees.
THE NEXT LAYER
The Dodgers saw one wave of young pitchers reach the majors last season (Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Emmet Sheehan, et al). Another wave is on the way and players like Kyle Hurt and River Ryan could find their way into the bullpen mix at some point. Hurt made an impressive major league debut last season, retiring all six batters he faced in a September game against the San Diego Padres, including striking out the side in his second inning. He could emerge as a bullpen weapon this season. Major league veterans Nabil Crismatt and T.J. McFarland will be among the non-roster invitees in camp this spring and are good bets to find their way into the Dodgers’ bullpen at some point during the season.
MOVES THEY COULD MAKE
The Dodgers have never seen a reliever they weren’t willing to take a flier on. They could certainly add to the in-house options with a late signing – though rumors of a reunion with franchise saves leader Kenley Jansen have seemed overblown.
