Seventeen different pitchers in thirteen straight game days. Think about that for a second. That’s the brutal reality of what the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen has endured, and it’s exactly why they are bringing up Paul Gervase from Triple-A Oklahoma City, with Emmet Sheehan heading back down. This is the third game in a row they’ve had to add a fresh arm to the relief corps. You know things are getting wild when your off-day on Thursday just barely gave pitchers a chance to breathe after that insane stretch that ended Wednesday.
The Bullpen Is Officially Running on Fumes
Seriously, this bullpen has been pushed to its absolute limit. Alex Vesia and Jack Dreyer each pitched seven times across those thirteen days, hitting the mound three times in just the four-day span from Sunday to Wednesday. That’s a workload that’ll make any arm scream. Then you’ve got Tanner Scott, who also pitched seven times, even notching saves in back-to-back games out in Denver. Edgardo Henriquez and Evan Phillips weren’t far behind, each pitching six times during that grueling thirteen-day marathon. It’s no wonder they’re scrambling for relief. The sheer number of pitchers they’ve cycled through tells you everything you need to know about the strain on their arms right now.
Gervase Gets the Call, Sheehan Gets the Boot
So, enter Paul Gervase, a 26-year-old right-hander who thankfully hasn’t been overworked himself. He only pitched twice in the previous eleven days for Oklahoma City, with his last outing on Wednesday being a quick seven pitches to get two outs. That’s exactly the kind of fresh arm this Dodgers bullpen needs right now. In his three prior stints with the Dodgers this season, Gervase has allowed two runs across four appearances, throwing 7 2/3 innings, with eight strikeouts and five walks. Down in Oklahoma City this year, he’s put up a 4.86 ERA across 31 games and 37 innings, striking out 46 and walking 31, picking up three saves along the way. Meanwhile, Emmet Sheehan, who was called up on Tuesday for bullpen help, didn’t even get to pitch in the two games he was active. He last pitched nine days ago for Oklahoma City, fanning eight batters in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. It’s a rough break for Sheehan, but when your bullpen is this gassed, you go with the guy who’s ready to roll right now.
With a weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates kicking off tonight at Dodger Stadium, this bullpen needs every arm it can get. Gervase stepping in isn’t just a roster move; it’s a desperate cry for relief from a group that’s been run into the ground. Can he be the answer, even for a few innings, to keep this pitching staff from completely imploding?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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