Dodgers: Dylan Floro is MLB’s Best Quiet Reliever

Dylan Floro has been so good for the Dodgers – I almost want to knock on wood. I wonder if I should even be writing this article. Certainly in regards to Dylan Floro, let’s not change a thing right now.

Indeed, Floro is having a dominant season in terms of numbers. The 28-year old right-hander has 16 appearances spanning 17.1 innings. During this time he has not allowed an earned runner to score, striking out 12 and walking just two; scattering ten hits.

He found his way into some bad luck on Thursday night against Washington, but that doesn’t change much for him.

Recently, Floro spoke with Bill Plunkett of the OC Register to let us know the quiet keys to his success.

#Dodgers notes: In the anonymity of middle relief, Dylan Floro has actually been pretty, pretty good.https://t.co/Oi3bKnpyVf

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 10, 2019

This is that spot in the article where you get the money quote or two. Floro says the key lies in the execution.

“I’m just executing pitches right now,” Floro said. “Getting ahead of guys for the most part. When I have a chance to put guys away, I’m putting them away, going to the fastball up. I think the key thing is the mentality – getting ahead of them, putting it more in my count and then putting them away with the right pitch.”

Success in the game of baseball – especially for a reliever – starts between the ears. From a mental standpoint, it sounds like Floro has the right idea. His focus lies just on the next pitch.

“I’m going out there and I’m not thinking about pitches two and three. I’m thinking about that one hitter and that one pitch and that’s all. I’m focusing on that one pitch and that’s all that matters at that time.”

Right now, the sky is the limit for Floro; and there is some early chatter that he could be an All-Star. Already he has seen his role change to some late-game, high-leverage situations.

Equally important – the Dodgers acquired Floro last Fourth of July for the asking price of Zach Neal. It’s safe to say if Floro continues this success, he’s going to become a household name not only in Los Angeles, but the entire league.