Fill in the blank, Dodgers fans. But as Frank Regan (‘Blue Bloods’ TV series) routinely reminds those around the family dinner table – “Keep it civil.”

How would you concisely describe the current state of the Dodgers 2022 Bullpen?

A mess may be too harsh, but sometimes the truth is messy. Inconsistent seems too soft when fans regularly see multiple relievers struggle to keep the opposing team from scoring. How would you characterize the Dodgers corps of relievers through the team’s first 57 games of the 2022 season?

Perhaps a little perspective will help you decide.

Presently, the Dodgers combined bullpen ERA is 3.48, which is ninth-best in MLB and second only to the Atlanta Braves relievers (3.07). While ERA may be a misleading measure for individual relievers, the cumulative statistic provides a fair (not great) representation of a team’s bullpen performance. Obviously, the more innings pitched, the more reliable the stat.

But a deeper dive into the 2022 Dodgers reliever statistics provides a better perspective on performance:

Individual reliever ERAs (Innings pitched/batting average against) to date:

• Caleb Ferguson 0.00 (3.1/.000)
• Yency Almonte 1.29 (14/.167)
• Reyes Moronta 2.25 (8/.267) – currently in minors
• Evan Phillips 2.28 (23.2/.193)
• Justin Bruihl 2.35 (15.1/.216)
• Daniel Hudson 2.66 (20.1/.203)
• Blake Treinen 3.00 (3/.100) – currently on IL
• Garrett Cleavinger 3.38 (2.2/2.73) – currently in minors
• Alex Vesia 3.63 (17.1/.243)
• Mitchell White 3.67 (9.1/2.35)
• Craig Kimbrel 4.00 (18/.229)
• Brusdar Graterol 4.44 (26.1/.211)
• David Price 4.50 (12/.333)
• Phil Bickford 4.67 (17.1/.277)
• Tommy Kahnle 6.75 (4/.231) – currently on IL
• Michael Grove 27.00 (1/.500) – currently in minors

(Does not include pitchers who are no longer with the Dodgers)

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A quick count of relievers shows five (Ferguson, Almonte, Phillips, Bruihl, and Hudson), with ERAs below the 3.48 team average. Any surprises amongst this group for Dodgers fans?

Or, are there more surprises amongst the pitchers with ERAs above 3.48 (Vesia, White, Kimbrel, Graterol, Price, and Bickford)?

With Clayton Kershaw scheduled to return to the starting rotation on Sunday, June 12, a roster move is imminent. There have been rumors that the Dodgers have been attempting to trade Price, but Bickford or White being optioned to the minors to make room for the future Hall of Famer is a more likely scenario.

Andrew Heaney has made two rehab starts for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers and could return to the starting rotation later this month or early July, with current Dodgers starter Tyler Anderson returning to the bullpen as reliever/spot starter.

Blake Treinen has been playing catch (light intensity) for one week, but his return is not imminent or expected until the second half of the season.

So, what is your take on the Dodgers bullpen? Please keep it civil, but let us know what you think.

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