The rash of pitching injuries in MLB this season continues. This time, it finds the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have already had plenty of injuries to deal with through the first month of the season. In fact, with the starters they have on the injured list, they could fill a team’s starting rotation. However, the Dodgers were dealt a small blow to their bullpen on this latest injury. Veteran reliever Ryan Brasier was placed on the 15-day IL by the Dodgers with a right calf strain.
The Dodgers recalled RHP Gus Varland and placed RHP Ryan Brasier on the injured list with a right calf strain, retroactive to April 28.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 30, 2024
Ryan Brasier Injury a Minor Blow to the Dodgers Bullpen
While Brasier isn’t the most important piece to this bullpen, he pitched well last season despite his struggles early in 2024. In 2023, he threw 38.2 innings with a 0.70 ERA. He walked 10 and struck out 38 in his first season with the Dodgers.
It’s been a little bit of a different story in 2024 for Brasier.
Prior to his injury, Ryan Brasier took the ball 12 times across 11.2 innings. If you extrapolate it to his 2023 numbers, his stat line looks much the same. However, he’s sitting at a 4.63 ERA, and his FIP isn’t any better at 5.22. The stat line looks similar to his seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Ryan Brasier had signed a two-year, $9 million dollar contract before the season to remain with the Dodgers for at least three years at the back end of his career.
The Corresponding Move for Brasier
Gus Varland will take the place of Brasier on the active roster. Varland was with the team on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays and was activated before the Dodgers began their series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Varland, 27, pitched well in his brief stint for the Dodgers last season. He threw 11.2 innings, struck out 14, and had an ERA of 3.09. Walks are his biggest issue, issuing eight free passes over his time on the mound. This was after being returned to the Dodgers after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.
