Facing his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, for the first time in his career, Caleb Ferguson showcased his talent as one of the New York Yankees’ top left-handed relievers. In the eighth inning of their game on Friday, Ferguson silenced the heart of the Dodgers’ order, retiring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith in order. This performance added to his impressive streak, as he has now gone 14 of his past 16 appearances without allowing a run.
Ferguson’s success has exceeded his own expectations. Despite not pitching as well as he had hoped earlier in the season, he has become a crucial part of the Yankees’ bullpen. Even though manager Aaron Boone could have chosen another pitcher based on Ferguson’s track record, Boone showed his trust in him by putting him in a high-pressure situation against the Dodgers’ top hitters. This vote of confidence meant a lot to Ferguson, who acknowledged the significance of facing the best part of the opposing lineup.
The journey to this point has been a challenging one for Ferguson. Drafted by the Dodgers in the 38th round in 2014, he had to overcome Tommy John surgery and work his way up through the minor leagues to reach the majors. Initially aspiring to be a starting pitcher, Ferguson has embraced his role in the bullpen and recognizes the value of making crucial outs in high-stakes situations. His transition to the Yankees came ahead of the 2024 season, and he has continued to prove himself as a reliable reliever.
During his standout performance against the Dodgers, Ferguson displayed his pitching prowess. He struck out Ohtani and induced a flyout from Freeman after battling through a pair of foul balls. The final out came against Smith, who was even part of Ferguson’s wedding party when they were teammates. Despite still feeling that he has room for improvement, Ferguson believes he is trending in the right direction.
This impressive showing against his former team adds another layer of significance to Ferguson’s performance. It not only demonstrates his ability to rise to the occasion but also highlights his growth as a player since his time with the Dodgers. As Ferguson continues to develop and refine his skills, it will be exciting to see what he accomplishes in the future.
