2018 Dodgers Player Reviews: Adam Liberatore

Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010, Adam Liberatore was traded to the Dodgers in November 2014. He made his MLB debut with Los Angeles 2015, and has appeared in every season for them since.

Regular Season Recap

After intermittent use his first three seasons, 2018 was a ripe opportunity for Liberatore to assume a larger role in the Dodgers bullpen given its season-long tumult. A quick glance at his key stats would seem to indicate he did just that, with a 2-1 record and 2.77 ERA. One problem: he only pitched in 17 games.

In June, he was optioned to AAA Oklahoma City to make room for Clayton Kershaw’s return, and put on the DL shortly thereafter. He would be activated in July, only to boomerang back to the disabled list days later.

Even with such limited usage, Liberatore still assisted in a historic moment. On May 4, he combined with Walker Buehler, Tony Cingrani and Yimi Garcia to throw a combined no-hitter. The lefty from Bellflower had the honors of finishing it off in the ninth inning, striking out two batters to secure the 23rd no-hitter in Dodgers franchise history.

How’d He Do in October?

Like the other no-hitter relievers, Liberatore didn’t pitch once in October. He wasn’t an option anyway, as he was released on September 5.

What Lies Ahead

Liberatore currently remains a free agent.