The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was the best in baseball in 2016, posting a league-leading 3.35 ERA despite also throwing an MLB-high 590.2 innings. The heavy load was in response to manager Dave Roberts leaning on his relievers as the rotation was constantly ravaged by injuries.
One of the main contributors out of the bullpen, at least in the second half of the season, was left-hander Grant Dayton. The 28-year-old began the season with Double-A Tulsa, where he pitched in 12 games and had a 3.45 ERA and 0.70 WHIP in 15.2 innings.
He was then promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City and appeared in 26 games. In 36.1 innings, Dayton had a 2.48 ERA and 0.83 WHIP while striking out 63 and walking just eight.
Dayton’s stellar run at Triple-A earned him a call-up to the Majors. Dayton made his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 22, collecting two strikeouts over two hitless frames in an extra-innings loss at Busch Stadium.
In 25 appearances, the rookie had a 2.05 ERA, 2.96 FIP and 0.76 WHIP with 39 strikeouts and six walks in 26.1 innings. Dayton developed into a key setup man and Roberts’ most-trusted left-hander heading into the postseason.
Dayton did falter a bit in the playoffs, as against the Washington Nationals in the National League Division Series, he gave up five hits and three runs in 1.2 innings in four games. But in the NL Championship Series, Dayton threw 1.2 scoreless innings over three games.
2016 Highlight
From Aug. 22 to Sept. 19, Dayton had 13 straight scoreless appearances. In that span he pitched 10.2 innings, allowing just two hits while striking out 17 and walking three.
2017 Outlook
Despite a bit of a letdown in the postseason, Dayton still figures into the Dodgers’ plans going into 2017. He will be penciled into a bullpen spot going into Spring Training, and barring any injuries or poor performance next spring, will likely be the top left-handed reliever for Roberts to start next season.
