As the Los Angeles Dodgers were in the midst of cycling relief pitchers on and off their roster due to an overworked bullpen, it created an opportunity for Dylan Covey to join the team.
His addition to the Dodgers roster wound up being vital as Dustin May pitched just one inning on the day Covey had his contract selected from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Covey tossed four-plus innings, allowing two runs on five hits (two home runs) and collecting three strikeouts against one walk. “It’s great,” he said of being able to help the Dodgers.
“Previously in my career it’s been on losing teams and teams that aren’t really competing for anything, so it’s really awesome to come in and help a team that’s in first place win a ballgame against another team that’s in first place.
“Just a totally different script than I’ve been used to previously in my career. It’s really fun.”
The Dodgers signed Covey to a Minor League contract during the offseason, and the appearance was his first in the Majors since September 24, 2020, with the Boston Red Sox. “It was really special,” Covey said.
“I grew up 15 minutes up the road, as a Dodger fan. A couple years ago, I didn’t ever think I’d be back in this situation. It’s really special playing for the hometown team. My family is here and got to see me, so really special.”
Given the circumstances, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts felt Covey gave the team everything they could have asked for in his relief appearance. “Covey was great. He was fantastic,” Roberts said after the win.
“Obviously, having Dustin go short and considering where we’ve been at, for him to go four innings, keep us in the ballgame and give us a chance to win, was huge. Couldn’t be more happy for him and us.”
Phillies claim Dylan Covey
While Covey delivered in a big spot for the Dodgers, he was designated for assignment the following day and subsequently claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Covey pitched five innings out of the bullpen and allowed one run in his Phillies debut. But that was followed by giving up seven runs (five earned) in a start, and Covey then shifted back to a relief role.
He pitched a scoreless inning against the Dodgers on Saturday.
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