Dodgers: Josh Fields Has Earned An Extended Stay

The Dodgers probably have a shuttle specifically for Josh Fields as it seems he is constantly going back and forth from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. In the first month of the season, he was called up and optioned back to the minor leagues twice. Fields has been one of the most dominant relievers on the team and deserves to stick around.

Fields’ overall stats for 2016 look mediocre with an ERA over four, but after being acquired by the Dodgers before the July trade deadline, he was an excellent reliever for Los Angeles. In just under 20 innings for LA, Josh Fields put up a 2.79 ERA and struck out 22 batters. This is despite Fields having some bad luck with a higher-than-average BABIP of .333.

In those 19+ innings, Fields allowed just one home run and pitched 2.2 scoreless innings in the playoffs as well.

In 14.1 innings this season, Fields has a 0.63 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts. Out of all Dodger pitchers, Fields ranks first in WHIP and his batting average allowed is identical to Kenley Jansen’s at .196.  That is pretty impressive for a team that boasts elite pitching talents like Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen. Against right-handed hitters, Fields’ batting average allowed is .212.

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It doesn’t matter whether Josh Fields faces a left-handed or right-handed hitter because he seems to be getting both out. In fact, he is even better when facing lefties, limiting them to a .167 BAA. Amongst Dodger relievers, only Luis Avilan has a lower batting average allowed vs. lefties than Fields.

That is a far cry from fellow Dodger Sergio Romo, who is allowing a batting average close to .400 against left-handed hitters. On top of his effectiveness, Josh Fields has also shown the capability of pitching more than one inning when needed. This could give guys like Ross Stripling a breather after pitching multiple innings the night before.

Boasting 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings compared to only two walks (1.9/9 IP),  it’s clear that Josh Fields is much better than average and should be a member of the Dodger bullpen permanently.

Despite another season so far with bad luck (has an above-average BABIP), Fields is still posting some elite statistics, which makes you wonder if he can get even better.

Someone like Chris Hatcher could and should be optioned down even if it takes waivers to get him to accept a demotion. Right now I’d rank Fields as the Dodgers’ second-best right-handed reliever besides Kenley Jansen, and probably even their second best reliever period.

Next: Should the Dodgers trade for Matt Harvey?

Just as the Dodgers will face a roster crunch when all their position players are healthy, they will also face a bullpen dilemma since Brandon McCarthy and Rich Hill will or already have returned.  Although Fields will be the unlucky victim, it’s clear he has done everything he can to stick with the big league club.

If the Dodgers do send Fields down once again, it will strictly be because of his remaining options, rather than performance on the field.