Over the past sixteen games, a day hasn’t gone by where there hasn’t been something written about the incredible offensive numbers that the Dodgers have put up – especially those of Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez. I mean it’s pretty hard to miss when the team is averaging 6.4 runs per game and has a collective .318 batting average through July 10. But lost in the Puigmania hype and Ramirez’s recent 19-game hitting streak has been an absolutely outstanding Dodger bullpen.

Since July 5, Dodger relievers have a collective ERA of 0.74 and have held opposing hitters to a meager .144 batting average (12 for 83) in 24.2 innings. For the most part, J.P. Howell, Paco Rodriguez, Ronald Belisario, Kenley Jansen and rookies Jose Dominguez and Chris Withrow have been unhittable.

Left-hander J.P. Howell has been a workhorse for the Dodgers this season. His 2.33 ERA is the lowest among all Dodger relievers. (Photo credit – Victor Decolongon)

Since making his major league debut on June 30th, 22-year-old Jose Dominguez has allowed only 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 4 and walking 3 in 6.1 innings worked. This adds up to an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of  1.579. But without question, the buzz about the San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic native is his fastball, which has been clocked as high as 101 MPH and regularly tops out at 98 MPH. Dominguez also has a change-up that is right around 89 MPH. (Ted Lilly would kill to have a fastball that hits 89 MPH).

Jose Dominguez is drawing comparisons to a young Pedro Martinez. Opposing teams are frequently seen shaking their heads in the dugout while watching him pitch.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

With as powerful as the Dodger offense has been (in spite of Friday night’s 3-0 shutout loss to the Rockies), and with as dominating as the Dodger bullpen has been of late, it’s a pretty safe bet that if the five Dodger starters can handoff a lead to the bullpen, the Dodgers will most likely win.