Dodgers Bullpen ‘Still Trying to Figure Some Things Out’, Roberts Reacts to Inconsistencies
We’re seven games in to the 2023 season and the Dodgers are 5-2, best in the NL West. As you know, they’re doing it with a very different looking ballclub than from last season. Despite the new faces and guys in new roles, things have been solid but imperfect to open the season.
On the offensive side of things, several guys are struggling. JD Martinez, David Peralta, Miguel Rojas, Max Muncy, and Chris Taylor have combined to hit .165 in 97 at-bats heading into Friday’s game. But Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, and James Outman have combined to hit .379, helping power the lineup to 43 runs scored this season, tops in the National League and 1 behind the MLB leading Tampa Bay Rays.
Pitching wise, the starting rotation has been nails with a 1.76 ERA over 41 innings. The bullpen, however, has looked a little uneven over the first seven games of the season. The collective ERA of 2.86 isn’t bad by any means — it’s fourth best in the NL. But the unit has allowed 19 hits over 22 innings and has recorded just 16 strikeouts, fourth-worst in baseball.
After Thursday night’s game, Dave Roberts addressed the work from the bullpen over the first week of games.
“We’re still trying to find our footing. I know it’s not about a role thing or where guys are pitching. I think individually, you can look at them and each guy is sort of trying to figure some things out. But, to their credit, they’re still being productive, and that’s most important right now.”
Via Jack Harris, LA Times
He expanded, assessing some of the guys in the bullpen. With Alex Vesia, Dave said the left-hander is “searching.” On Evan Phillips, the manager said he’s working on some things mechanically.
It’s still early but the bullpen is certainly one of the early areas to keep an eye on for the boys in blue.
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Dodger Nation WAKE UP…. Roberts is the problemm and always has been ..see it and demand better..we deserve it
You are so right, we deserve much better. Roberts has been the problem ever since he started as “DOC”. But the front office is enamored by him and will NOT change. I’m sure this won’t be printed as almost all of my replies are never printed as I have said something against the “DOC”