Dodgers: Grading the bullpen for the month of June

Kenta Maeda – Five innings, 1.80 ERA, seven strikeouts, one save

After struggling for the first two months of the season, Kenta Maeda really started turning things around in June. Overall he went 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA but as a reliever he made two relief appearances, tossing five innings of one-run ball and also recording his first save.

The save came as he piggybacked out of the bullpen to throw four innings of one-run ball while striking out six hitters. It seems that pitching some games out of the bullpen has allowed Maeda to regain his confidence in attacking hitters.  June Grade: B+

Ross Stripling – 7.2 innings, 9.39 ERA, six strikeouts

June was not a very kind month for Ross Stripling. Between multiple demotions to Triple-A and a couple starts in the minors, Stripling seemed to struggled to find his groove.

Opposing batters hit .417 with two home runs off him and had a WHIP over two. Whether it was hits or walks allowed, batters reached base off Stripling and a scary rate.

Given that he is one of the few Dodger relievers who can induce ground balls and pitch multiple innings, it’s only a matter of time until Ross is recalled.  June Grade: F

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Brock Stewart – 5 innings, 0.67 ERA, five strikeouts

Due to Ross Stripling’s struggles, the Dodgers summoned Brock Stewart from Triple-A in June.

Stewart earned his first career save in June by throwing three scoreless innings against the Mets. Stewart only allowed one walk and struck out four hitters in that outing. He did a good job of attacking opposing hitters with his mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking slider.

In his five innings, he allowed just a single walk and hit. Due to the injuries, the pitching staff has been hit with, it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a start.  June Grade: A