All was well for the Los Angeles Dodgers and their bullpen after the first series of the 2016 season. The pitching staff was perfect through three games against the San Diego Padres, with the Dodgers outscoring their National League West counterpart, 25-0 over the three games.
However, a difficult weekend series against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park was more indicative of what was to follow. The Dodgers’ bullpen has been far from stellar thus far, though the offense certainly hasn’t done them any favors.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said discussions centered around calling up Julio Urias from Triple-A Oklahoma City have been held. While that may come to fruition, it won’t be before Casey Fien is first given an opportunity.
Fien was placed on waivers by the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, and the Dodgers claimed the right-hander on Saturday. Roberts discussed his club’s latest addition after a win over the Toronto Blue Jays, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
Dave Roberts on RHP Casey Fien: "I know he’s a right-handed relief pitcher. He’s got good command, three-pitch mix, good makeup, competes"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 7, 2016
Justin Turner also provided his assessment of Fien, per J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News:
Dodger w/most PAs vs. Casey Fien? Justin Turner, in college. "Known him for a long time. He competes. … That's good news. I'm excited."
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 7, 2016
Fien, 32, had a 7.90 ERA, 6.74 FIP and 1.76 WHIP in 14 relief appearances this season with the Twins. He was susceptible to the longball, allowing five home runs in just 13.2 innings pitched. Although Fien has struggled, his 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings is his highest average since the 2013 season.
In parts of seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2009-10) and Twins (2012-16), Fien owns a 4.05 career ERA, 3.71 FIP, 1.14 WHIP and 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He has one option year remaining, and is expected to join the Dodgers on Monday.
