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?

Jun 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) is greeted by Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Chris Taylor (3) after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Hitting Left-Handed Pitching

Yes! The Dodgers are finally hitting left-handed pitching. Into June, the Los Angeles offense is showing significant improvements in hitting lefties. It could always be better, but compared to last year, anything is sufficient.

In 2016, Los Angeles ranked dead last in the Majors with a .213 average and .622 OPS against lefties. They were also 26th in runs scored. Justin Turner, a power-hitting righty in the middle of the lineup, hit .209 against southpaws. Out of everyone with at least 50 at-bats against left-handers, no one hit above. 250.

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Although those were complete season numbers, the improvement in 2017 is quite visible. The Dodgers are fourth in the Majors in runs scored, with an OPS of .717, and own a 16th-best .242 average. They are also within the top ten for hits, home runs, and RBI.

Justin Turner has made the biggest turnaround. He’s hitting on another planet as it is, but is now hitting .358 with a .954 OPS against southpaws. Seager is showing consistency from both sides of the plate, hitting .278. Contributions from Kike Hernandez, Chris Taylor, and Austin Barnes have also been instrumental in the Dodgers’ improvement.

Kike has a .984 OPS with four of his five homers off lefties. Taylor has a .371 average and an OPS above 1.000. Austin Barnes’ contribution is perhaps the most important. Not only does his ability to hit lefties give more rest to Yasmani Grandal, but it keeps him left-handed. The two have 81 at-bats vs. lefties between them, and Grandal is hitting .182 while Barnes is hitting .297.

The Dodgers also brought in Logan Forsythe, who can hit the southpaws. However, right now he isn’t hitting much of anything. But, if he and Yasiel Puig get going again, the boys in blue will be just as scary no matter who’s pitching.

May 15, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (38) before a pitch against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Starters Going Deeper

Another crucial factor why Los Angeles ran out of gas in the postseason was the fact that the bullpen was overused. In 2016, the Dodgers’ starters finished 29th in innings pitched, with 862. So far in 2017, the Dodgers’ starters are 11th in the majors, with 355 (which is on pace for just under 900 innings). This is the main difference between the Dodgers’ starters last year compared to this year. So far, LA has been keeping up with strikeouts and ERA, as they are in the top five in both categories.

Although the Dodgers haven’t had a set rotation for a while, the starters have been dominant. They lead the league in WHIP and fewest runs scored against. The top three starters: Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, and Brandon McCarthy, all have five wins, ERA’s below 3.30, WHIPs below 1.2, and over 200 strikeouts combined (101 coming from Kershaw).

Rich Hill is also doing fairly well, but on and off injuries have held him back from consistency. Hyun-Jin Ryu and Kenta Maeda have shown glimpses of brilliance but are still up and down. If they get going, the Dodgers would have one of the most dominant rotations in the Majors.

June 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) hits a single in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Hitting With Runners in Scoring Position & Two Outs

Hitting with RISP and two outs is something Dodger fans know their team hasn’t been good at in their long history. Last season, they were 28th in the Majors with a .208 average and a .613 OPS. They also finished 25th in runs scored.

It was disheartening to see Los Angeles get a leadoff man on, occasionally move him over, just to see him stranded in scoring position with two outs. If someone hit a triple with two outs, he might as well trade his helmet for his glove. The inning was over.

However, in 2017 the Dodgers look to be correcting the old tale of “Dem Bums.” They are 13th in the Majors with a .238 average, 12th in runs, and 18th with a .717 OPS. Much better than last year. Additionally, with just RISP in general, they rank within 10-12th in all those categories, showing it doesn’t matter how many outs there are, the runs will come home.

It makes no difference if the Dodgers take their improvements so far and call it a day. There is still more than half a season left to play, and room for things to change for the better or for, the worse.

Next: Chris Taylor Should be the Leadoff Man

If Los Angeles continues to make strides in their improvements, the finished product will spell a very well-rounded team. Also, perhaps a shorter off-season and some more silverware.

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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.

Hitting Left-Handed Pitching

More from Dodgers Way

Starters Going Deeper

Hitting With Runners in Scoring Position & Two Outs

Schedule