Dodgers: 3 Key ways the 2017 Team has improved from 2016

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Jun 1, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes (15) hits a single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (not pictured) during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dodgers excelled last season because of their outstanding bullpen, ability to hit right-handed pitching, and scoring in the late innings. However, they fell short in the National League Championship Series because the problems they dealt with all season long finally caught up to them.

When it comes to bullpens, the Dodgers are the team to beat. Much of Los Angeles’ success in both 2016 and 2017 is owed to the league-leading bullpen. Kenley Jansen is perfect so far in save chances, Pedro Baez has a sub-1 ERA, and Josh Fields has impressed early on. Unexpected long-relief appearances from Ross Stripling, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Kenta Maeda have also helped give the bullpen plenty of rest.

The Dodgers also have an aptitude for scoring late. The most recent comeback win coming via a six-run eighth inning capped by a Corey Seager grand slam against the Cincinnati Reds.

However, this is what LA has been doing since last year. But, they have made some impressive adjustments to their biggest flaws from 2016. What are they doing different that will hopefully translate into a deeper run into October?

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