Dodgers: Brandon Morrow Open to Closing Games if Needed
The Dodgers added a ton of arms on minor league deals heading into the 2021 season. One of those guys was Brandon Morrow, returning after his 2-year deal with the Cubs. Morrow suffered through a number of injuries that limited him to just 30 innings in Chicago.
In a conversation with Dodgers media on Saturday afternoon, Morrow was asked if he would be willing to go into long relief. He was also asked if he would close games if given the opportunity. For Morrow, he is willing to do anything the team needs to get his big league job back.
I’m open to anything that gets me back pitching in the Major Leagues, I’ll tell you that. I haven’t done long relief and I haven’t thrown more than probably an inning and a third since I started last in 2015…I think I’ve always had the stuff and mentality to be a later inning and one inning guy. I’ve kind of done it all, I’m very comfortable in almost every situation.
Morrow was absolutely lights out for the Dodgers in 2017 and was a big part of the reason they made it to the World Series. In 43.2 innings of work, he pitched to a 2.06 ERA while striking out more than 10 batters per 9 innings. Morrow also put up a ridiculous 1.55 FIP and compiled a 1.6 fWAR.
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In the postseason, Dave Roberts turned to Morrow arguably too often. He made 14 appearances in the 2017 playoffs and pitched a total of 13.2 innings. The only team that was able to get to him in that time was the Astros, who we now know were cheating. Aside from the World Series, Morrow was almost flawless for the Dodgers during that playoff run.
If he can get back to anywhere clsoe to his 2017 form, Morrow could be a HUGE addition to the Dodgers. Whether it’s closing or in high-leverage innings in general, the old Brandon Morrow would make this bullpen one of the best in baseball.
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I would love to see Morrow anywhere near his 2017 form. He was awesome. The only team that hit him at all was the Houston Sign Stealers. I hope he’s healthy. If he is, give him a shot at closing games.
Lol. More like “Brandon Morrow open to making the roster if needed…”
What is he going to say? I refuse to close?
I would love to see Morrow at 100% health pitching for Dodgers in late innings, but the odds are very long. Blessed with a great arm, but a body that repeatedly fails him. I also like Jimmy Nelson if he too can pitch at full health.