Dodgers News: Yency Almonte’s Future in the Bullpen Called into Question By Dave Roberts
Everyone who follows the Dodgers knows the bullpen has been a problem in the 2023 season. Saturday’s 8-to-3 loss against the Padres highlighted the problem again when Yency Almonte and Caleb Ferguson allowed seven runs in the eighth inning en route to LA’s second loss to San Diego this season.
Almonte has struggled to a 5.36 ERA in 45.1 innings.
Of course, after Saturday’s debacle, the media asked Dave Roberts about the Dodger bullpen hierarchy and why he used Almonte to start the eighth inning.
“It’s pretty easy in my chair. You give guys opportunities, and they play themselves into their own roles. I’ll leave it at that,” Roberts said.
For Dave Roberts, that’s as close as you get to throwing a player under the bus. It’s worth noting that LA’s defense did not help the situation in that eighth inning.
Nevertheless, since suffering through elbow soreness in August 2022, the reliever hasn’t been the same. He has struggled with his control, and his slider hasn’t had the same sharp break. While he had a decent June with a 2.31 ERA, he has toiled since. He might have benefited from going to AAA like Alex Vesia. However, he may need another trip to the IL to get back on track. Importantly, he does not have any minor league options left.
It’s also worth noting that the role of Caleb Ferguson should also be questioned. He relieved Almonte on Saturday and allowed three hits and was charged with four unearned runs. After starting the season so well, posting a 1.35 ERA over his first 23 appearances, he’s become a bit more mid over his next 25, working to a 4.43 ERA over 22.1 innings. He’s allowed 25 hits and 14 walks over that stretch.
Both Almonte and Ferguson should be unavailable on Sunday. Roberts is right usually bullpen roles work out on their own, and the manager follows the usual road map through games. When relievers perform, the manager looks brilliant, but when relievers struggle, the manager looks like an idiot.
After Saturday’s game, Roberts ended up on the wrong side of that equation.
A good coach never throws his players under the bus. An awful manager does. I will leave it at that!
Roberts should look in the mirror. Almonte has been horrible yet he brings him in a crucial situation. Same with Ferguson. He is the worst manager for bullpen decisions.
I questioned why Roberts pulled Miller out after 82 pitches and 2 outs the other night. Then he brings in “Spray Arm” Kelly who has a vast and varied background of wild pitches with runners in scoring position on second and third. Sure enough, a wild pitch over Smith’s head let the tying run score. We ere fortunate to score 5 later and win the game but I agree that many of Robert’s pitching decisions leave a lot of room for questioning.