2016 Dodgers review: Adam Liberatore

Left-hander Adam Liberatore was a key member of the Dodgers bullpen in 2016 before injuries and a second-half fade slowed his season.

What went right

Liberatore allowed two runs on May 18, but that was the only time in his first 42 appearances of the season that he allowed runs. His streak of 28 consecutive appearances from May 20 to July 22 without allowing a run established a new Dodgers record, surpassing John Candelaria’s 23-game streak in 1991.

During his streak, Liberatore struck out 28 and walked six, allowing only nine hits in 22⅓ innings.

Liberatore allowed just six of 32 inherited runners to score (18.8%). NL average was 30.1%.

Left-handed batters hit just .171/.250/.244 against him.

Liberatore increased his strikeout rate from 23.8% in 2015 to 26.7% in 2016.

What went wrong

Liberatore after his streak allowed 14 runs in his final 16 appearances, putting up a 13.03 ERA with nearly as many walks (7) as strikeouts (9) in 9⅔ innings.

The left-hander missed 17 games on the disabled list in July and August with left elbow inflammation.

Liberatore also missed out on the postseason because he had arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow on Oct. 3, similar to the procedures performed on Alex Wood and Hyun-jin Ryu this season. Wood, who had his surgery in July, was back in the majors in two months. Liberatore is expected to be ready by the start of spring training.

2016 particulars

Age: 29

Stats: 3.38 ERA, 2.89 FIP in 58 games, 47 K, 17 BB in 42⅔ IP; 0.6 rWAR, 0.8 fWAR

Salary: unknown, likely slightly above the MLB minimum of $507,500, pro-rated for his time in the majors, roughly just under $500,000.

Game of the year

Liberatore matched his season high with two scoreless innings on June 18 against the Brewers, and struck out four of the six batters he faced to close out a 10-6 Dodgers win.

Roster status

Liberatore has one year, 106 days of service time, and one option year remaining.