Dodgers: Caleb Ferguson making a late run at a playoff roster spot

In 2018, Caleb Ferguson rapidly rose through the ranks for the Dodgers’ farm system.  He then became a surprise contributor and solid bullpen piece.

Last year at just 22 years old, Caleb Ferguson blazed his way through the Dodgers’ farm system making it from Double-A to the big leagues.  Thanks in large part to an array of injuries to the LA Dodgers, Ferguson was called up and made three starts.  The starts did not go too well as Fergie gave up nine runs in 10 2/3 innings but after moving to a relief role he excelled.

As a reliever, Caleb Ferguson posted a 2.35 ERA in 38 plus innings and had a strikeout rate of 11 K/9IP.  This season, Ferguson has stayed in a relief role although the results have not been as good.  Entering play on Monday, Caleb will have a 4.95 ERA and 1.51 WHIP, although he has been pitching better lately.

In August, Ferguson pitched to a 3.24 ERA and held the opposition to a .148 batting average.  Both numbers represent Ferguson’s best results of the season.  While it once looked like Caleb was a lock to miss the postseason roster, he his pitching lately has put himself back on the map for a postseason roster spot.

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What changed in August for things to suddenly click again?  Ferguson threw his curveball more often, using it 32% of his pitches.  In previous months, Fergie used the curveball around 16% of the time and his fastball around 82% of the time.  In August, Caleb used the fastball a season low 67% of his pitches.

Using the fastball less should mean better results for Caleb has batters have done more damage against it this season.  Last season, Ferguson allowed a .288 wOBA against his heater and this season that has jumped up to .355.  The whiff rate on his fastball has also dropped from 25% to 20% this year.

Overall this season, Caleb Ferguson has allowed an opponent’s average of .246.  Against left-handed batters, he has been much better limiting them to a .200 average against.  While he has struggled against right-handed batters this season, he was equally effective against left and right-handed hitters in 2018.

The question for Caleb Ferguson is certainly not if his stuff is good enough, it’s if he can pitch well enough to force his way into the postseason roster conversation.  A month ago that would’ve been a resounding no, but lately, Caleb has pitched well and is trending in the right direction.  A few more good weeks and Ferguson just might end up on the postseason roster.