Dodgers news: How good is their bullpen?

As the Dodgers continue to climb in the standings, their stout bullpen is a main reason that the club has the second most wins in the National League.

But how good is their bullpen?

The deft hand of manager Dave Roberts is responsible for the relief corps compiling a 3.14 ERA through 45 games. It’s the best in the National League.

In a season where the Dodgers starting pitching has been anything but consistent, bullpen stability is at the core of the team’s success.

The stopper, of course, is the great Kenley Jansen. With an 0.76 WHIP and a 1.59 ERA, Jansen is the ninth-inning specialist and a true weapon as closer.

But looking a little closer, it is the succession of pitchers that get the ball from the fallible starters to the immaculate Jansen that are providing a positive difference to the Dodgers in 2017.

The trio of Luis Avilan, Josh Fields and Pedro Baez are workhorses, having appeared in 22, 19 and 18 games respectively. Avilan, the strapping left-hander, has worked 14 innings and struck out 19, while only allowing three of his 11 inherited runners to score.

Fields is dominant with an 0.96 WHIP, mirroring his 0.96 ERA. He has struck out 23 batters in 18 2/3 innings and would be the prime candidate for set-up man if not for Baez.

Baez inherited the role on the strength of his performance. This year, Baez looks dominant – as evidenced by the .080 batting average against with runners on base.

With Jansen and that trio, there are games like this, and Dodger fans hope, more to follow:

On the flip side, the Dodgers have really made efforts to get Sergio Romo started.

Unfortunately, he has an unsightly 7.53 ERA. The upside is that he has 17 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. So the swing-and-miss slider is still evident, it may just be a matter of location and consistency.

Chris Hatcher is another reliever that is inconsistent at best. With a 4.09 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, it would appear that a release could be in his future. His WHIP shrinks to 0.87 with a .206 batting average against in those situations.

Ross Stripling has the unenviable role as long man right now. This as he’s thrown 23 1/3 innings in his 14 appearances.

His 3.09 ERA belies the value he provides.

Grant Dayton and Adam Libertore had wonderful 2016 campaigns. Both are currently on the shuttle between Los Angeles and AAA Oklahoma City but both are expected to play large roles during this season.

Next: Julio Urias Is Heading Back To AAA

Though Kenley Jansen’s greatness can not be overstated, the surrounding pieces prove that the Dodgers’ bullpen is very, very good.