August 10th, 2021 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 The Dodgers have 50 games remaining in the 2021 MLB regular season, and the bullpen continues to struggle closing out games in which the team has a lead in the eighth or ninth innings. To date, the team has blown 23-save opportunities — third-most in MLB — and lost 22 games. And their record in extra-inning games is an abysmal 12 losses in 13 games.
Statistically, Kenley Jansen is the best the team has in the closer role, saving 82% of his save opportunities this season. But it seems that he is continually walking a tightrope, as his 15.3% walk rate is the highest of his career, and his inability to effectively prevent stolen bases by opposing runners exacerbates the walk rate. But, Jansen’s inconsistencies this season have been magnified because the other Dodgers relievers have struggled to be effective. As a group, they have lost 20 games and saved only eight of 26 opportunities; an awful 30.7% save rate.
(Photo credit – Mark J. Terrill)
Although you will never hear Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admit it, the bullpen numbers are the reason the Dodgers are trailing the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants. If the Dodgers had converted two additional save opportunities, they would be tied with the Giants in the loss column. Consider the lead the Dodgers would have over the Giants and Padres if the bullpen had won half of their extra-inning games or converted even 50% of their save opportunities.
But, shoulda-woulda-coulda doesn’t change the facts or the Dodgers’ position in the standings. But, help is here.
The Dodgers returned 29-year-old right-handed reliever Corey Knebel to the active roster on August 10. Will the Denton, TX native and first-round draft pick in 2013 out of the University of Texas at Austin by the Detroit Tigers be the lockdown reliever to close games with Jansen? To be determined. But when Corey went on the 60-day IL on May 2 for a right lat strain, he had just completed a stretch of six games (5.1 IP) without allowing a hit or earned run, one walk, and striking out six. His 97-mph fastball and 81-mph curve are closer-quality pitches.
Is Knebel the reliever the Dodgers can rely on for the remainder of the regular season, and World Series? To be determined. But if not, Roberts and his team may be watching the 2021 World Series on television.
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@Dodgers I think so.
I don’t know.
@Dodgers Individually believing one player added to the roster will “save us” is a false hope. But wi… https://t.co/LLOJL0drOR
Although I would generally tend to agree with your ‘one player’ thing, the only thing worse than making a change when you should is not making one at all.
JP. What about giving Treinen a shot. Kennel KJ Graterol Nelson Kelly Bickford? And Vesia and the new lefty brought up last Sunday Bruihi.
Not terrible.
A lot of those extra innings loses are on the futility of the offense as well.
I think Treinen should be in the group for closer by committee, but he has also blown 3 save opportunities in 6 attempts. I think it will take a bullpen effort to lock down games for rest of the season and postseason. Nelson is done for the year, if not forever, with TJ surgery. Young guys Graterol, Bickford, and Vesia seem to have the potential, but all have been inconsistent in commanding their pitches.
Jesse you are correct. It will take committee for sure.
However
Even if we are wild card and win and play the Giants best of 5, I believe we will beat them.
Dodgers need a new manager. Why is Roberts batting Bellinger ahead of Pollock?
Bellinger 34-192 24 7 2 .177
A. Pollock 87-282 46 14 6 .309
Makes no sense!!