Dodgers: Mitch White’s unique bit of history proves we underestimated him

OK, hand to the sky: when we contemplated the Dodgers’ need for reliable starting pitching prior to the Max Scherzer trade (and also after it!), we didn’t really consider an outcome where Mitch White — who contributed to the team’s struggles in early May — would be able to toss over seven strong innings to seal a victory.

Over the Pirates, sure, but the Pirates are a team in Major League Baseball, and White has been a middle-innings reliever at the big-league level.

We’ve entrusted him to soak up innings in recent months after briefly writing him off after his first cameo (yeah, yeah, we know…), but regardless of your opinion of the righty, White’s 7.1 innings of spotless, scoreless relief on Wednesday night were something else entirely.

He’s now in the history books alongside Dodgers standouts from an era where relief work like this was a little more commonplace. These days, it’s unheard of…unless you’re in that Dodgers locker room this week, praising White’s herculean, bullpen-saving effort.

White took the mantle from five-out opener Justin Bruihl and steered the ship towards the final 22 outs, barely registering a whimper on the “Opponents’ Rally” Richter Scale.

Not bad for someone we’d counted out.

Dodgers relief ace (??) Mitch White made history and saved the bullpen.

Ed Roebuck! Let’s go!

On the year, the 26-year-old White has provided more than the Dodgers could’ve anticipated, reaching a 1.189 WHIP mark on the season after shaking off a chunk of early struggles. This outing was, of course, his most important of the season, as LA streaks towards a playoff spot without an inch to spare — and certainly very little wiggle room in the rotation.

After the game, manager Dave Roberts was clearly humbled by what he was able to get out of White:

“He was fantastic. This is something he’s going to remember for a long time,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We needed a big performance out of him, and he gave us that and plenty more.”

How efficient and team-oriented can you possibly be?

Almost makes you feel the spark with this team, doesn’t it? Welcome to the history books.

White was demoted on Thursday so the Dodgers could activate Victor Gonzalez, with his extra effort partially (wholly) to blame. It won’t be forgotten, though.

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