Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Praises Second Half Resurgence Out of Bullpen

Dave Roberts appreciates having a strong bullpen in the second half of the season.

Before the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was one of the worst in the major leagues. If the bullpen didn’t improve, it is doubtful that the Dodgers could have run away with the National League West title.

Now, however, the Dodger bullpen is one of the best in baseball, and manager Dave Roberts expressed his appreciation for his relievers turning things around this season.

“They’ve really found themselves and they’re available whenever needed. They fill up the strike zone, there’s swing and miss when there needs to be, and there’s not a lot of walk in there. The second half, I think we’ve been as good as anybody in baseball.”

Early in this season, the bullpen didn’t have either defined roles or veteran leadership. It took time for both Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia to find their strides and adjust to the pitch clock.

After Roberts discovered he couldn’t rely on Yency Almonte in critical roles, he stopped calling on him frequently. The Dodgers also traded Phil Bickford, who was a workhorse but seldom effective.

The upswing of the Dodger bullpen coincides with the arrival of Ryan Brasier, a veteran from the Boston Red Sox who was released earlier this year. No situation seems too big for Brasier and he's turned into one of LA's best and most trustworthy relievers.

Having Joe Kelly and Shelby Miller further strengthens the bullpen. Both Ryan Yarbrough and Emmet Sheehan give the Dodgers relievers who can pitch multiple innings.

And last but most certainly not least, Evan Phillips gives the Dodgers a strong unflappable closer.

None of the Dodger relievers have the same look as the Dodger starters, and this is excellent for the postseason.