The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the best bullpens in baseball, and a handful of players are trending up in October.
Over the season, the Dodgers boast a top-three bullpen, according to multiple ERA indicators like FIP and xERA, and it could get even better in the postseason as some pitchers move into relief roles.
Here are the relievers who finished the season strongest:
Roki Sasaki
Sasaki made only three relief appearances after returning from the injured list and starting his transition to a reliever, but he was absolutely fantastic.
He did not allow a run and posted a strong -0.90 FIP, with his fastball showing great life and averaging 99.1 MPH, while his splitter and slider also performed well.
The Japanese pitcher only allowed two hits, totaled six strikeouts, and did not allow a walk. Sasaki already shined once as a postseason closer; now he will be used as a flexible piece.
Edwin Diaz
Diaz, to his credit, turned his season around after floundering all year long. With a four-digit ERA, Diaz was a total disaster, the complete opposite of what he was signed to be.
However, he returned in September after going down with some neck inflammation and looked like a $69 million reliever.
Diaz allowed one hit over five innings, one walk, and totaled nine strikeouts. He came back in a lower-leverage role, but after looking so compelling, he has re-entered the closer conversation.
His postseason roster spot was in jeopardy, but he has guaranteed himself a chance to complete his turnaround.
Evan Phillips
Phillips has quietly put together a good season. Over the last month of action, he totaled 8.1 innings, with a 2.16 ERA and a 2.50 FIP.
Over the last month and a half, things look better for Phillips, with a 1.93 ERA and a 1.89 FIP.
He is prone to fly balls, but Dave Roberts trusts him, and in any middle relief role or some late-inning spots, Phillips will be getting the ball, and fans should feel good about it.
Alex Vesia
Vesia started the season strong, but he went through a funk midseason. The southpaw closed the year well, with a 0.87 ERA and a 1.75 FIP over the last 10.1 innings in September.
Given his experience, Vesia rounding into form is a great development. His fastball movement is still great, and he can step up to limit runs and get out of jams.
