Dodgers News: Should Caleb Ferguson Be Left Off the Postseason Roster?
Los Angeles Dodgers’ left-hander Caleb Ferguson has struggled on the mound of late. The veteran reliever has been used as an opener at points this season to get the correct matchups at the start of games. Ferguson hasn’t had much success in the role, posting a 6.75 ERA in 7 “starts.”
As the season has gone on, questions about his postseason roster status have gotten louder. For many Dodger fans, the biggest question seems to be is Caleb Ferguson one of the 13 best pitchers on the staff?
Following his most recent outing, manager Dave Roberts addressed the media about Ferguson.
“With Fergy, there was just no command,” Roberts said. “I think there was just a lot of bad misses then when he put the ball in the strike zone, it was finding outfield grass. It just overall wasn’t good command. These last two for Fergy, just want to put them behind him. He’ll probably have one more outing on Saturday or Sunday and finish strong.”
Ferguson appeared on the scene in 2018 and helped the Dodgers reach the World Series. During the abbreviated 2020 season, Ferguson had his best season until he injured his left elbow, needing a second Tommy John surgery. He missed the 2021 season recuperating. Since his return in April 2022, Ferguson’s performance has been mostly good, but with inconsistent streaks mixed in.
Using an opener is in fashion in baseball. Teams want the opposition to use their right-handed hitters in their starting lineup and then they bring their right-handed pitcher to hurl the bulk of the innings or vice versa. The Tampa Bay Rays have been successful with using openers.
Andrew Friedman needs to understand the Dodgers have more pitching talent than the Rays. Friedman and Dave Roberts need to trust Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, and Emmet Sheehan’s ability to get anybody out. They have much better stuff than Ferguson. Additionally, Michael Grove has shown quality stuff since returning from the injured list last week.
Ferguson should be on the roster for a blowout, so the Dodgers can save a good arm for a more important spot during the postseason. It would be a hard pill to swallow for Ferguson, but this team might be at its best with him on the taxi squad over the active roster this October.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Caleb Ferguson is washed out and has proven that many times over,, he is old and experinced enough to come to terms with the fact he has lost all control and should not be used in real live games anymore. we have much better and younger tallent ready to go and it makes no sense to try and reform our dear friend Caleb.
His inconsistency has made it tough to justify giving him a spot on the active roster. He can’t be trusted and even though he is a lefty, I think there are better, more reliable arms, with better command and control available.
Yes,,,,, Good god yes. Him and Vesia need to go.
Vesia always appears to be terrified that he is on the mound and people are watching.
show Turd Furguson and Arsonist Vesia the Door, please !