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MLB: Power Ranking the Top Ten Major League Bullpens

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Wade Davis (17) celebrates with catcher Erik Kratz (19) after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the game 6-5. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Wade Davis (17) celebrates with catcher Erik Kratz (19) after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the game 6-5. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joel Peralta (62) throws during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joel Peralta (62) throws during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

1st. NL West. Los Angeles Dodgers. 5. player. 71.

It’s hard to believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers would rank so high in our top ten Major League bullpens, especially since closer Kenley Jansen won’t be able to return from foot surgery until at least mid-May and Brandon League is out indefinitely with an inflamed right shoulder.

However, the Dodgers are one of only six big league bullpens that have held opponents to a batting average under .200 (barely, at .199). In 13 games this year, Los Angeles has allowed 11 earned runs in 41.1 innings – a great 2.40 ERA that is the sixth best in baseball – and has collected a big league-leading 55 strikeouts.

Chris Hatcher hasn’t capitalized on his chance to work into the closer by committee (12.27 ERA with one save in 3.2 innings across six games), but Joel Peralta has. The 39-year old is 1-0 in six appearances with three saves in three chances.

Juan Nicasio has a 1.29 ERA, J.P. Howell and Paco Rodriguez are one of the best left-handed reliever combos in the game, and Adam Liberatore has been a great third option. Right-handed youngsters Pedro Baez and Yimi Garcia have been solid early this year as well.

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