Danny Duffy Could Be Dodgers’ Secret Weapon In Postseason

Needless to say, it’s going to be a really short stint for him in Dodger Blue.

But here’s the upside: When the veteran does return, he’ll give L.A. a boost that a lot of folks won’t see coming.

Today, we’re going to explain what that boost might look like.

Let’s get started.

Duffy Was Lights-Out Earlier This Season Before Hitting The IL

Duffy started the year with the Kansas City Royals.

He was working on one of the best seasons of his career before the injury bug bit him.

The 32-year-old had a 2.51 ERA, 3.39 FIP, and 1.21 WHIP across 13 outings (12 starts) with the Royals before straining his left flexor.

He was throwing the ball exceptionally well.

Assuming he returns this season, the Dodgers’ hope is that Duffy will pick up where he left off with Kansas City (although he might find himself working in a slightly different capacity with Los Angeles).

It’s not an unreasonable goal.

Upon His Return, He Will Likely Be Thrust Into A Relief Role

Realistically, there isn’t enough time left in the season for the Dodgers to ramp up Duffy’s workload to a degree where he could join the rotation.

Rather, a more viable target for the southpaw is for him to take over a relief role.

The Dodgers have a really solid bullpen, but you can never have enough relief arms.

It’ll be a nice luxury for L.A. to be able to add a reliable pitcher to its bullpen at this stage in the season.

Not many teams get a chance to add a dependable relief pitcher in September.

He Has Postseason Experience

Duffy knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight.

The former Royal won a title with Kansas City in 2015, and he’d love to win another with the Dodgers this season.

Over nine career playoff appearances, Duffy has had mixed results.

But more importantly, he has experience as a reliever in the postseason.

Despite being a lifelong starter, he always seems to find himself pitching out of the bullpen in October.

That’s good news for the Dodgers.

We Can’t Really Assess The Dodgers’ Trade For Duffy Until The Season Ends

Given the way Duffy’s injury timetable is working out, it’s fair to be skeptical of the Dodgers’ decision to trade for him.

However, there’s a very real chance that the former third-round pick will end up being a key contributor for L.A. once he returns.

The NL West is still wide open, and Duffy could certainly become a difference-maker in that race.

Above all, he could give the Dodgers some huge innings in the postseason.

You never know.

We’re going to have to wait and see how the rest of the season plays out before making a judgment.