Dodgers With Most to Prove Down the Stretch

Left-Handed Relievers

If there is a weakness on this team, it’s the lack of reliable left-handed relievers in the bullpen. Luis Avilan, Grant Dayton (if and when he comes back from injury), Tony Watson and Tony Cingrani have much to prove.

They have all looked shaky this season and have ERAs that aren’t pretty, save for Avilan. Dayton owns a 4.94 ERA, Watson a 3.66 ERA and Cingrani’s is 5.88 (yikes). Avilan has a 3.09 ERA but has had multiple shaky outings.

As a Dodger, Watson has pitched three innings and has already allowed three runs. On Wednesday, he faced Jake Lamb with the bases-loaded but surrendered the go-ahead grand slam. This is the type of matchup he was brought in for.

However, Watson has a good track record and should be given the benefit of the doubt for now. Give him some time to settle in. Also remember, relievers have virtually no margin for error so one bad outing can ruin their numbers for a long time.

The Dodgers are going to face the likes of Jake Lamb, Anthony Rizzo, Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy in October, so they need at least one of these guys to be reliable. Thus, one of these pitchers needs to prove he can be a go-to guy for Dave Roberts because not all four of them will make it.