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It was a fantastic season from the Dodgers’ bullpen in 2021. It seemed like everyone in the organization pitched an inning at some point, which is almost true considering Justin Turner took the mound for an inning at one point.
Here’s a look at how the bullpen did overall and what we can expect for the postseason.
Their 2021 campaign
For a team that seemed to be having a bullpen game at least once a week, LA’s bullpen was right in the middle tier of innings pitched. They were 14th in baseball at 608 2⁄3 innings. Although LA was missing starters all season, when they did have starting pitching it usually meant their starters were going deep into games.
The bullpen tied with the Giants for the Major-League lead in saved with 56. Kenley Jansen led the way with 38, with nine other players combining for 18 more. Per Eric’s article from earlier today, 10 different Dodgers recorded saves in 2021, the most in franchise history since 1980.
The bullpen had an ERA of 3.16, the second best across baseball. They averaged 9.64 strikeouts per nine innings, the 10th best in baseball. At 3.98 walks per nine innings, the Dodgers as the 14th worst rate.
If you’re somebody who is really into ‘holds’, the Dodgers had 103 of them, the fourth most in baseball.
Usage
The top guys
Blake Treinen - 72 games
Kenley Jansen - 69 games
Phil Bickford - 56 games
Used a good amount
Joe Kelly - 48 games
Victor Gonzalez - 44 games
Alex Vesia - 41 games
David Price - 39 games
Brusdar Graterol - 34 games
Contributed a good chunk
Jimmy Nelson - 28 games
Corey Knebel - 27 games
Garrett Cleavinger - 21 games
Mitch White - 21 games
Justin Bruihl - 21 games
Dennis Santana - 16 games
Edwin Uceta - 14 games
They were on the team at one point
Shane Greene - 9 games
Nate Jones - 8 games
Evan Phillips - 7 games
Darien Nunez - 6 games
Jake Reed - 6 games
James Sherfy - 4 games
Neftali Feliz - 3 games
Conner Greene - 2 games
Andrew Vasquez - 2 games
Mike Kickham - 1 game
Yefry Ramirez - 1 game
Kevin Quackenbush - 1 game
Wild Card/Playoff prediction
With a one-game Wild Card, it will be very interesting to see how the bullpen will be used. Assuming Max Scherzer is able to get you at least six innings, the guys who we could see seem fairly obvious.
Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen in some combo is sure to be a lock, regardless of what inning it is. If needed, I think Alex Vesia has proven to be the go-to left-handed option out of the pen as well. If the Dodgers need more than 2-3 innings from their bullpen, some potential options include Joe Kelly and Phil Bickford. I also wouldn’t be totally surprised to see the Dodgers turn to Julio Urias if absolutely needed.
If the Dodgers are able to advance to the NLDS, who will make the cut?
Starters:
Max Scherzer
Walker Buehler
Julio Urias
Tony Gonsolin
Locks:
Kenley Jansen
Blake Treinen
Joe Kelly
Alex Vesia
Phil Bickford
Corey Knebel
Wild Cards:
Justin Bruihl
David Price
Brusdar Graterol
Evan Phillips
Mitch White