Dodgers: Bullpen Suffers Another Setback, Dozier Undergoing Further Tests

Axford heads to the disabled list: It would appear that things have just gotten worse for the already reeling Dodgers’ bullpen.  They’ve collectively blown leads in the last four games, including allowing two walk-off wins to the Colorado Rockies who are now tied with the Dodgers for second place in the NL West.

Axford, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Toronto Blue Jays, will be sidelined for at least 2 – 3 weeks with a fractured fibula.  After a disastrous debut, where he allowed 6 runs in 1/3rd of an inning, he’s settled down quite nicely.  In his last two appearances, he’s pitched a combined three shutout innings, while allowing just a single hit.  On top of that, Axford is Dave Roberts only reliever with any semblance of experience as a closer.  He’s accumulated 144 saves in his career, with 25 of those as recent as 2015 while on the Colorado Rockies.

Hit by comebacker in Colorado Sunday. Finished out the inning https://t.co/xOuyixLaor

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 14, 2018

Dozier day-to-day after abnormal EKG test

Brian Dozier, who’s been arguably the most consistent Dodgers hitter over the past 2 weeks, was removed from yesterday’s game in the 9th inning after experiencing “dizziness.”  Subsequent EKG testing showed what the team is calling “abnormal results” meaning he’ll likely be sitting out today’s game while he undergoes further examinations.

It’s a scary situation anytime an athlete’s heart is involved, so the team will almost certainly be taking a cautious approach with Dozier – much like how they’re handling Kenley Jansen’s rehabilitation.  The situation is still developing; we’ll provide updates as new test results are released.

Analysis:

It certainly feels like the team is at another low-point in their season.  Having lost four straight to division rivals, the absence of Kenley Jansen and now potentially Brian Dozier mean that the margin for error in the tightly contested playoff-race is razor thin.  The good news is that reinforcements are coming.  Sunday it was announced that Maeda and Stripling would be transitioning to the pen for the time being, with the hope that either one of them can help close out games.  Ryu is a likely candidate for starting Wednesday’s game against the Giants and Urias’ 2018 Dodgers debut appears to be imminent.