2018 Dodgers review: Josh Fields

Josh Fields saw the lowest ERA (2.20) of his six-year career in 2018. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 45 games, after missing two months with inflammation in his right shoulder.

What went right

When healthy, Fields was a viable option out of the bullpen for the Dodgers. On top of his career-best ERA, his WHIP was 0.95, one of the best among national league relievers.

In his first 11 appearances of 2018, Fields only allowed one run, while striking out 13. Later in the season, he would have an eight-inning stretch without allowing a run.

What went wrong

On June 28, Fields was placed on the 10-day DL. His stint would last over two months, as his next outing with LA wouldn’t come until September 4.

Though statistically it was his best season to date, Fields was anything but when he was on the mound with runners on base. With a runner on, Fields had an ERA of 3.44, allowing seven runs to score in 18 ¹⁄₃ innings of total work.

Things were even more difficult with runners in scoring position, as he had an ERA of 6.00.

2018 particulars

Age: 33

Stats: 2-2, 2.20 ERA, 41 IP, 33 SO, 0.95 WHIP, 3.62 FIP, 178 ERA+

Salary: $2,200,000

Game of the year

On May 20, Fields got his second save of the season in Washington. He came in for 1 ¹⁄₃ innings, tied for his longest outing of the season. He struck out two, didn’t allow a hit, and helped secure a Dodgers victory.

Roster status

The Dodgers tendered an offer to Fields who is in his last year of arbitration eligibility. MLB Trade Rumors estimates that he will make $2,800,000 in 2019.