Dodgers Recall Fireballer Edgardo Henriquez: 3 Key Storylines Fans Must Know

Edgardo Henríquez’s rapid rise through the Los Angeles Dodgers’ system reached another milestone this week as the 23-year-old right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and immediately thrust into high-leverage relief duties. Henríquez, MLB Pipeline’s No. 18 prospect in the organization, delivered 1.1 scoreless innings during Tuesday’s extra-inning thriller, showcasing a fastball that touched 100 mph and a power slider that generated two crucial swing-and-miss strikeouts. Why the Dodgers called him up Los Angeles placed veteran reliever Brock Stewart on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, creating an opening in a bullpen that has logged the second-most innings in the National League. Manager Dave Roberts praised Henríquez’s “electric stuff and fearless mentality,” noting that the club values his ability to work multiple innings and neutralize both right- and left-handed hitters. From Venezuela to Chavez Ravine Signed for just $80,000 out of Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela in 2018, Henríquez originally profiled as a raw outfielder before the Dodgers converted him to the mound. Following Tommy John surgery in 2022, he reinvented his delivery and added two ticks of velocity, climbing three levels of the minors in 2024 with a combined 2.67 ERA, 12.4 K/9 and 52% ground-ball rate. Pitch mix and role projection • Four-seam fastball: 98-101 mph, flat vertical approach that misses bats up in the zone • Slider: 86-89 mph, late two-plane break; opponents hitting .143 against it in Triple-A • Changeup: 90-91 mph, still developing but flashes plus fading action Scouts see Henríquez fitting as a late-inning weapon who can eventually close games, but the Dodgers may deploy him as a multi-inning “fireman” to bridge the gap to closer Evan Phillips, especially while the rotation manages innings limits for rookies. Fantasy and betting impact With four scoreless MLB outings already under his belt, Henríquez is worth a speculative add in deep fantasy leagues that reward holds or strikeouts. His strike-throwing improvement—a 6.8% walk rate in Triple-A—suggests staying power, and his high-octane arsenal offers significant upside if injuries create a path to ninth-inning work. What’s next The Dodgers open a six-game homestand Friday, and Roberts confirmed Henríquez will be available in “any leverage spot.” If the rookie continues to pound the zone with triple-digit heat, he could emerge as a key postseason bullpen piece and the latest example of L.A.’s ability to unearth and develop elite relief talent. Key takeaway Edgardo Henríquez’s call-up isn’t a short-term patch—it’s a glimpse of the Dodgers’ bullpen future. For fans and fantasy managers alike, now is the time to pay attention as the flamethrower aims to make Chavez Ravine his permanent home.