Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Talks About What Makes Ryan Yarbrough So Valuable to LA
One of the most underrated moves made in the MLB during the trade deadline was the Dodgers acquiring Ryan Yarbrough from the Kansas City Royals.
Ever since making his Dodgers debut in July, Yarbrough has been very valuable for Dave Roberts’ pitching staff.
Yarbrough has been used both as a spot starter and long reliever. With the versatility of the left-hander, Roberts told MLB.com how great he’s been for the team.
“I think the great thing is that you can always shorten him. If it’s a longer run or a shorter run, we believe he can do that. We think that the versatility of Yarbs is the thing that’s most valuable. He’s a guy that I think can handle (different roles). He’s seasoned. He’s done it a lot. So he’s a guy that certainly we feel like we can use in different roles.”
Via MLB.com
Since coming to the Dodgers, Yarbrough has been solid in every situation. In 10 games he has a 3.12 ERA in 34.2 innings pitched.
The Dodgers traded him for two minor-league players who still have not made it to the major leagues. When Yarbrough was with the Royals he had an ERA above four.
Not only has Yarbrough been put in as a starter and long reliever, he has also closed a couple of games. With the Dodgers, he has two saves.
Heading into the playoffs, the Dodgers are going to need a lot of experience coming out of the bullpen. While some pitchers in the pen have played in the playoffs before, Yarbrough is one of the most seasoned guys in relief.
In his first two years in the league, Yarbrough was a part of the Rays team that was eliminated by the Astros in 2019 and lost to the Dodgers in the World Series.
In 11 postseason appearances, Yarbrough has given up six earned runs over 17.2 innings pitched. Going into this year’s playoffs, Yarbrough will look to work to improve on those numbers.
Unlike Dodgers teams before, however, Roberts will have someone that he can put in for any situation.
Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our Youtube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
