Dodgers Face Bullpen Struggles Despite Upcoming Return of Closer

NEW YORK — This week, the Dodgers are hoping to welcome back closer Edwin Diaz from injury, which is significant since his $69 million offseason contract is set to kick in Wednesday.

However, in their Sunday game against the Mets, the Dodgers’ bullpen struggled well before reaching the ninth inning, leading to an 8-3 defeat.

In the sixth and seventh innings, relievers Evan Phillips and Will Klein allowed three-run home runs to the Mets’ varied lineup, turning what was an early Dodgers lead into a frustrating loss.

This game raises questions about the Dodgers as they approach the MLB trade deadline on August 3. Even with Diaz set to return after elbow surgery, the bullpen still seems like an area needing bolstering, despite manager Dave Roberts asserting earlier that his relievers’ “tree of faith” was solid.

Recently, the team’s right-handed pitchers haven’t performed at the level they did earlier this season. Ironically, it was two of those righties who faced the most challenges on Sunday, costing the Dodgers a chance to win the series.

After lefty Jack Dryer walked two batters in the sixth, Phillips entered and faced immediate adversity when Tyron Taylor hit a three-run homer, flipping the score from 3-1 Dodgers to 4-3 Mets.

Klein’s troubles continued against the top of the Mets’ lineup. He issued a walk, gave up an infield hit, and allowed another walk before pinch hitter Marcus Semien hit a three-run homer, extending the Mets’ lead.

This implosion also overshadowed a decent, albeit not stellar, five-inning start from Emmett Sheehan, who managed to keep it to one run.

As a result, it adds more questions for the front office as the deadline approaches.

Historically, the Dodgers’ bullpen has been a strong point, entering Sunday with an impressive 3.79 ERA—the 8th best in the majors. Yet, this game highlighted the fact that they aren’t infallible, particularly from the right side.

Phillips, returning from Tommy John surgery, seemed a bit rusty, and Klein has experienced a decline in performance, allowing runs in four consecutive games since June. Even Edgardo Henriques, generally reliable, has struggled with command lately.

Currently, Brock Stewart is the only other active right-hander, and while he’s been solid when healthy, he too has battled injuries.

The Dodgers are actively seeking to add another right-handed pitcher to support the team, particularly with Diaz on the mend. Ben Casparius has begun his rehab assignment in Triple-A, and Blake Treinen is gradually recovering from elbow inflammation.

Still, this uncertainty could prompt action before the impending trade deadline.

Freddie Freeman Shines

Freddie Freeman kicked off the season aiming for a .300 batting average and, after going 2-for-4 on Sunday, finally hit that target for the first time this year. He contributed significantly to the early lead and aided a two-run rally with an RBI double in the second inning, also hitting in the eighth. This marked his fourth consecutive game with multiple hits, pushing his average to .301—almost 30 points better than just a month ago, with an impressive .373 average since June 21.

Phillips Struggles

Manager Roberts noted that the return of Phillips would be challenging, and the results so far certainly reflect that. Last season was cut short for Phillips, and while his fastball velocity has increased to about 97 mph post-surgery, his command seems shaky, leading to costly mistakes.

For example, despite the home run allowed on Sunday being a well-placed pitch, it was hit for a decisive homer that contributed to the Mets’ victory.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers have a day off on Monday before starting a six-game homestand against the Mariners on Tuesday.