The home runs flying off Dodgers bats — they went deep 32 times in the first 12 games of June, most in the major leagues — have obscured the work of the bullpen during a month-long surge that pushed the team into playoff contention.
Relievers combined for a 4.54 ERA in 42 games through May 16, striking out 163 and walking 70 in 158 2/3 innings. They had seven saves, 10 blown saves and yielded a .255 average. The Dodgers went 16-26 in those games and were 8 1/2 games back in the National League West.
“This year, it just took a little bit of time to figure out what roles people might fall into,” right-hander Josh Fields said.