Dodgers Way
FanSided

Dodgers’ 7 Disappointing Outcomes from Spring Training

By Randi Radcliffe

Oct 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier (16) on the field during batting practice before game two of the NLDS against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier (16) on the field during batting practice before game two of the NLDS against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
Oct 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Pedro Baez (52) throws against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning of game one of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Pedro Baez (52) throws against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning of game one of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Pedro Baez

A tough loss for the Dodgers is reliever Pedro Baez. Personally, I get nervous every single time he steps on the mound, but he has the potential to be great. Baez throws very hard and when he’s on, most guys can’t hit him. It’s the lack of movement on his pitches that hurts him the most.

He has been out for practically all of spring with a thumb injury he got while throwing live batting practice. At first, Roberts had said that this injury wasn’t serious and that Baez would be ready for Opening Day if needed. Now with Opening Day less than a week away, Roberts’ plan has been thrown a little off course and he might be losing another pitcher to the DL. This isn’t an injury to be too concerned about, as it seems like he just needs a little bit more time to allow it to heal.

The problem with Baez is he seems to crack whenever he is under pressure. He’s still very young, but this is also his third season with the Dodgers so he needs to start figuring that out. The Dodgers bullpen is always questionable, so losing a player like Baez is a much bigger deal than what many fans may think.

The Dodgers did pick up Sergio Romo, who will most likely pitch the eighth inning. However, Baez not being able to help out in the seventh or possibly even the eighth, every now and then, could hurt the Dodgers. As always, the Dodgers depth makes this a little less worrisome.

Home/LA Dodgers News