Danny Duffy could be x-factor for Los Angeles Dodgers playoff push

It is easy to forget that Danny Duffy is a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite being acquired from the Royals at the trade deadline last year, and having re-signed in Los Angeles for 2022, he has never thrown a pitch for the organization. As Duffy is still recovering from flexor tendon surgery, it is fair to wonder when that will happen.

As it turns out, that timeframe is coming up. According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, Duffy, along with pitchers Tommy Kahnle and Victor Gonzalez, are expected back at some point in August.

Danny Duffy could be unexpected difference maker for Los Angeles Dodgers

Duffy was in the midst of a career season prior to being injured last year. He had produced a 2.51 ERA and a 1.213 WHiP in his 61 innings, striking out 65 batters with 22 walks. That performance led to the Dodgers’ acquiring him despite his being on the Injured List at the time in the hope that he could return to shore up the rotation.

That is not going to be the case this year. Should Duffy return, it is far more likely to be in a relief role. As it is, his contract has incentive clauses based on the number of games that he pitches, as well as having those clauses for reaching five, ten, and 15 innings. The Dodgers clearly envision him as a part of their bullpen in 2022.

Even that could be enough for Duffy to make a major difference. As it stands, they have several questions surrounding the rotation. Andrew Heaney is back on the Injured List, while Dustin May also has not pitched this year. Tony Gonsolin has easily surpassed his career mark for innings already. Tyler Anderson is not the pitcher he has appeared to be thus far. Having Duffy in even a long relief role could make a major difference.

But that also depends on whether or not he makes his way back to the mound this year. He had previously claimed that he would be ready by June, but that is clearly not going to be the case. Maybe August will be a reasonable target, but that will be determined once he actually begins throwing.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping that Danny Duffy will be back in August. If that happens, he could be an unexpected difference maker.