The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Padres over the weekend; however, they lost to the Rockies on Monday night. The bullpen has been the team’s weak spot as they try to weather the storm until more players return. The bullpen has performed decently, but until key pieces come back, the recovery will be a long process.
“What happened was the Dodgers’ belief in the recovering health of their bullpen. And, um, yeah, unless you want to bring Bobby Miller up from Oklahoma City to close games (not a bad idea, eh?), it’s not getting fixed anytime soon,” Los Angeles Times’ Bill Plasche wrote.
Several players are currently on rehab assignments, which could make a significant difference for the bullpen. Dodgers’ offseason addition Tanner Scott recently threw live batting practice with promising results.
“22 pitch live BP for Dodgers Tanner Scott. Said his arm feels ‘great,’ ball was ‘coming out good.’ Wouldn’t offer a guess on when he will be ready to return,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett said.
On the other hand, Michael Kopech struggled in his rehab appearance.
“Dodgers Michael Kopech’s inning for OKC — faced 6 batters, gave up 2 hits, 2 SBs, walked two, threw a wild pitch. Charged with 3 runs in 2/3 IP. 24 pitches only 10 strikes,” Plunkett wrote.
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Looking ahead, the Dodgers could add a bullpen piece eager to prove himself. Devin Williams has yet to have the season he wanted with the Yankees and could be a potential addition for LA.
“Williams is highly likely to sign a one-year contract to re-establish his value, and what better place to do that than the Dodgers? They have a history of signing relievers to one-year contracts. They have shown previous interest in Williams. Maybe that’s a partnership the two sides could revisit in the offseason,” FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote.
Until this season, Williams had been one of the best relievers in the league. For whatever reason, he hasn’t been able to get it going this year. The Dodgers could make a move to bring Williams to LA, boosting their World Series chances once again.