As Dodgers fans eagerly wait to watch a new fully-loaded starting rotation, the strength of the bullpen in the upcoming season may be overlooked, which includes a variety of talented arms to battle the tough NL West.
The organization has returned most of its stellar bullpen that was third in all of baseball last year in ERA at 3.42 and is headlined by closer Evan Phillips and setup man Brusdar Graterol. A few midseason additions made a quick impact in the 2023 season, like struggling former Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier and Joe Kelly.
Where do things stand now?
Dodgers' Bullpen Trust Tree Entering 2024 Season
Dodgers Bullpen Headliners
For the second consecutive season, Evan Phillips is expected to be the Dodgers' de facto closer to begin the 2024 season. Coming off an astonishing first two and a half seasons in a Dodgers uniform, when Phillips earned a 1.74 ERA in 133 appearances, the righty brings an arsenal of a devastating sweeper and three variations of fastballs. The former 17th-round pick by the Braves will be expected to be the fearful arm out of the bullpen to lead the Dodgers to their goal of a championship.
Fans will look for hard-throwing right-hander Brusdar Graterol to build off last season when he was arguably one of the top relievers in the National League. Graterol, acquired just before the 2020 COVID season, will be expected to set up Phillips to create an unhittable eighth and ninth-inning combination.