The Dodgers have always touted their depth and it has been key in keeping within reach of teams with the best records in the major leagues.
LOS ANGELES — On the way to becoming whole again after a myriad of injuries up and down the pitching staff, the Dodgers could be close to assuming a true identity soon.
Success has been a patchwork quilt of some strong starts, surprising success from a bullpen of interchangeable parts, solid infield defense, with bursts of power and production from the top of the order.
The Dodgers have always touted their depth and it has been key in keeping within reach of teams with the best records in the major leagues.
“I feel good,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Certain other guys have had opportunities in the pen; some starters, namely Gavin Stone. Offensively, I think we have been sporadic, certainly top heavy. Some guys around the bottom are on the come.”
Through all of their injuries in the bullpen, including Ryan Brasier, Evan Phillips, Joe Kelly, Brusdar Graterol and Kyle Hurt, the Dodgers still entered play Saturday with a National League-best 3.08 ERA from their relievers. Their 1.06 walks/hits per nine innings also led the NL.
Brasier could be operating out of the bullpen again in as early as a week as he nears the end of his recovery from a right calf strain. Phillips could be close behind as he recovers from a hamstring injury, although Roberts remains wary of setting a timetable.
On the starting rotation side, Bobby Miller threw a bullpen Saturday and is set for a three-inning simulated game next week. A minor league rehab assignment could begin as early as next weekend.
Clayton Kershaw also threw a bullpen Saturday afternoon but did it from the main Dodger Stadium mound as he remains on track for a return after the All-Star break.
“I think at the end of the day, we’re doing a good job of winning baseball games,” Roberts said. “How we do it each night has been different but I think that’s a lot of credit to the coaches and the players.”
Mookie Betts was given the day off Saturday, one day after he was down on himself for his defensive play at shortstop. Roberts said the day to rest and relax already had been planned.
“Talking to Mookie, he wants to play every day but I just felt that 13 (games) in a row, it’s a good time,” Roberts said. “It’s a night game before a day game (so) get him back in there tomorrow. Recharge his battery. I think it just keeps him strong and allows him to watch a baseball game tonight.”
Roberts adjusted the lineup simply by moving everybody at the top of the order up one spot. It put Shohei Ohtani in the leadoff spot for the first time this season and the 61st time in his career as a member of the starting lineup.
Roberts said a starter for Sunday still has not been decided, with right-hander Landon Knack an option to return from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Knack made his major league debut on April 17 and held his own by going 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts before he was returned to the minor leagues.
A spot start or another bullpen day on Sunday will give right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto a full week of rest, lining him up to pitch Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Yamamoto won three consecutive starts with a 0.90 ERA before he gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Monday.
Notre Dame Sherman Oaks product Hunter Greene is set to take the mound for the Reds on Sunday in his second career start at Dodger Stadium. His outing against the Dodgers on April 16, 2022, was just the second of his promising career when he gave up two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings and took the loss while striking out six.
Reds (RHP Hunter Greene, 2-2, 3.27 ERA) vs. Dodgers (TBA), 1:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, AM 570
