Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Pedro Baez, Cingrani, Bellinger, Kemp

For some, it is a day to be celebrated and for others, it was a disappointment of sorts but, regardless of your view, Pedro Baez was sent down to Triple-A on Wednesday, June 6. Baez has been one of the most hated and loved players on the Dodgers over the last few seasons for things ranging from poor appearances to electric multi-inning outings. But, when all was said and done, Baez’s work over the last few seasons has been underwhelming and the now 30-year old reliever was deserving of the demotion that many would tell you was overdue. In 2018, Baez has a 3.25 ERA in 28 games but his 1.590 WHIP and .1 WAR are perhaps more indicative of his struggles. Baez has also been unreliable in big moments and his inconsistency there could also have lead to his demotion. But, on the flip side, Baez does have an ERA+ of 117 on the season and has not had an ERA+ below 100 (league average) in his entire career. Baez’s stint in the minor leagues could be short-lived as Tony Cingrani may be returning to the DL.

Other Notes…

• Tony Cingrani told media after Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh that he felt a sharp pain in his throwing shoulder and went for testing immediately after being removed by training staff from the game. Cingrani declined to comment the results of those tests. Cingrani was a pivotal player in the Dodger bullpen early on in the season but after coming down with dead-arm, the 28-year old lefty has not been the same. On the year, Cingrani has a 4.84 ERA in 27 games and 22.1 innings pitched. Cingrani also has an unsightly ERA+ of 79 and a WAR of -.3. Despite those poor statistics, his WHIP is .985 which is undoubtedly skewed by his lights out start to the year. Cingrani will likely end up on the DL with this shoulder issue and could probably use some time off to truly get right and back to his sharpest form.

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• Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Cody Bellinger, has not totally enjoyed the same success as he did just a year ago. But, recently, the 22-year old first baseman and outfielder has shown signs of life, hitting two home runs in two games against the Pirates. Bellinger’s success at the plate seems to be one of the biggest difference makers in the team’s success and failures and now that the pivotal Bellinger is hitting the ball hard, the same can be expected from a Dodgers team that has been incredible over their most recent stretch of games.

• Matt Kemp has far and away exceeded any and all preseason expectations of him. So far this year, Kemp leads the Dodgers in home runs and leads the NL in batting average at .355. Most people thought Kemp would be traded before the seasons even started but now he is well in the conversation to be an All-Star and some are even mentioning his name in the very early MVP talks. The Dodgers would be in big trouble this year without Matt Kemp. You can show your appreciation for the team’s best player by voting for him here to get into the All-Star game.

Next: Dodgers Should Look at Scooter Gennett for an Upgrade at Second Base