Call to the pen
Fansided

Los Angeles Dodgers Brock Stewart dominating Double A

By Brody Hilgenkamp

Aug 12, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Los Angeles Dodgers hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Los Angeles Dodgers hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, lead the Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Division by four games with a 34-24 record. Shortstop Chris Taylor and catcher Mike Zunino have been making progress there after struggling in the majors last season; they have an .847 and .883 on-base plus slugging percentage entering Tuesday, respectively; and Stefen Romero was hitting .358 before being called to the majors.

It’s the pitching staff, especially the bullpen, however, that has led the team this season. Entering play Tuesday, the Rainiers were second in the league in ERA (3.71) and led the league in walks and hits per innings pitched (1.19). The bullpen features several stellar arms: Nine relievers had an ERA under 3.25 and eight had a WHIP under 1.10.

Blake Parker and David Rollins have been especially dominant. Entering Tuesday Parker allowed just three runs in 19 2/3 innings with 20 strikeouts and a 1.37 ERA and 0.76 WHIP. Rollins had a 2.74 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 18 strikeouts and zero walks in 23 innings. Their dominance shouldn’t diminish the work Jonathan Aro (2.40 ERA), Justin De Fratus (3.21) and Casey Coleman (1.61) have done with their time on the mound.

The rotation may not be as dominant, but Adrian Sampson is having an impressive season as well. The 2012 fifth round selection is tied for third in the PCL in ERA (2.83) and is fourth in FIP (3.34) entering Tuesday. Unfortunately, he started Tuesday and gave up seven runs on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

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