Dodgers Roster Move Looms as Bullpen Takes a Beating

The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen is showing signs of fatigue after a grueling 15-day run without an off-day, from August 7th to August 19th. During this period, the team's offense has struggled, ranking 17th in batting average, 19th in on-base percentage, 17th in slugging percentage, and 22nd in on-base percentage, with only 48 total runs scored. The pitching staff has been under immense pressure, contributing to the team's poor performance.

Manager Dave Roberts has been employing a more aggressive strategy in recent games to break the team's slump and prepare them for the postseason. This has led to heavy usage of pitchers like Jack Dreyer, Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Edgardo Henriquez, who have all seen significant playing time. As a result, the Dodgers' pitching staff is now considered "ailing," according to Roberts.

In preparation for the upcoming game on Sunday, the Dodgers have Kyle Hurt on the taxi squad. Hurt's presence provides a fresh arm for the bullpen before their road trip to Colorado. However, Hurt was optioned to Triple-A less than two weeks ago, meaning the team will need to place another pitcher on the injured list to accommodate him.

When examining the season-long statistics, four pitchers—Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez, Jack Dreyer, and Tanner Scott—stand out as potential candidates for the injured list. All have pitched over 42 innings this year, and their workload may necessitate a recovery period. Edwin Diaz and Evan Phillips, who have been on the injured list for most of the season, are less likely candidates for the move.

If the Dodgers do make a roster change, it will indicate a team that is pushing through difficult times and could benefit from an offensive boost.