As is usually the case, 2024 is a championship-or-bust season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After becoming the first team this year in Major League Baseball to win 80 games on Thursday night, the Dodgers are looking to fend off two tough challengers in the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks to secure a National League West title.
In such a hotly contested playoff race, every opportunity to improve the roster is a valuable one. And with September call-ups on the horizon, the Dodgers have important decisions to make soon.
One baseball writer believes the Dodgers could call upon an unheralded minor-leaguer to help shore up the bullpen. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted reliever Michael Petersen will earn a call-up for the Dodgers next week.
"Michael Petersen could be worth another look in the bullpen," Reuter said. "He posted a 4.50 ERA in eight appearances during a quick stint on the MLB roster in June and July, as he has been dealing at Triple-A all season."
Petersen, the Great Britain native who grew up in Northern California, has had a winding journey through professional baseball. The 30-year-old was drafted four times, began his minor-league career in 2015, and has played in three different organizations.
Now in his first year with the Dodgers organization, Petersen appears to have figured something out at the minor-league level. He has posted a 1.69 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts in 34 innings in Triple-A.
With injuries impacting the Los Angeles bullpen, Petersen could provide valuable depth down the stretch. Brusdar Graterol is expected to return sometime in September, but the righty fireballer got injured in his first outing of the season, so it's hard to know what to expect.
Even if Petersen's opportunity ends up being short-lived, he could still help decide a ballgame or two for a team looking to win a division. And if he ends up playing a larger role down the stretch, Petersen has the chance to finally make a career for himself at the MLB level.
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