Last year, the Dodgers barely used their bullpen during the playoffs.
It seems they hope for a similar approach this season.
As they aim for a third consecutive World Series title, the Dodgers are banking on their talented starting rotation. Although Shohei Ohtani isn’t pitching, they have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow stepping up.
If everything goes as envisioned, these pitchers will handle most of the workload.
That being said, replicating the stellar starting pitching they had last October could prove challenging. Last season, the Dodgers’ rotation, which included Ohtani, Yamamoto, Snell, and Glasnow, contributed to 113 of the team’s 165 postseason innings and managed a 2.55 ERA.
That’s quite an impressive feat.
However, it’s reasonable to think there might be some decline—in both effectiveness and innings pitched.
That’s why having a stronger bullpen this time around is crucial for the Dodgers. Early in the season, when injuries hit hard and the bullpen struggled, that idea felt a bit daunting. But a recent game showed that their relief pitchers could actually be a strength as they pursue another title.
“We’ve had a lot of talent over the years,” manager Dave Roberts noted. “But at the end of this season, I think our bullpen is in as good of shape as it has ever been.”
During a previous game against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers found themselves in a surprising position, going up against ace Michael King, but instead of relying on a standard rotation, they opted for a bullpen game.
Surprisingly, eight different Dodgers relievers teamed up to shut out the hot-hitting Padres, allowing only five hits. Some pitchers who were once uncertain seem to be gaining momentum.
“It was fantastic,” Roberts remarked about the performance. “This is as solid as our bullpen has thrown.”
Brock Stewart kicked things off with a clean inning, continuing his recovery from a tough season. After him, Justin Wrobleski, transitioning to the bullpen, navigated through a tough situation. Blake Treinen, whose postseason spot seemed uncertain, delivered one of his best outings recently by only walking one batter in a scoreless third inning.
The most exciting moments came in the fourth and fifth innings, showcasing Roki Sasaki and Edwin Díaz, each delivering solid performances. For Sasaki, it was his first outing after returning from the injured list; he struck out two while showing off his impressive fastball. Díaz, on the other hand, registered his third scoreless outing since coming back from an injury, retiring the Padres’ top hitters in order and demonstrating his readiness for the playoffs.
After the game, when asked about Díaz’s potential return to the closing role, Roberts said it’s “certainly possible.”
By that stage, the Dodgers had gained a comfortable lead against the Padres. They scored four runs in the second inning thanks, in part, to walks from Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts, setting up Freddie Freeman for a two-run single. They added more runs throughout the game, highlighting their offense in what had been one of their toughest recent tests.
But perhaps the most encouraging aspect was the bullpen’s performance, which finished the game with two scoreless innings from Kyle Hurt and smooth outings by Alex Vesia and Jack Dreyer. The team’s most relied-upon pitchers, Tanner Scott and Evan Phillips, weren’t even needed that night, nor was Edgardo Henriquez, who’s nursing a back injury but may be back in time for the playoffs.
“We know we have a great group, and it’s special when everyone can succeed and put up zeros,” Stewart said. “It’s tough to do that as a group.”
With a grin, he added: “Make sure to write stories about it.”
Come October, the Dodgers are hoping that their bullpen will be the highlight.
But if the starters struggle, they seem much better prepared this year than they were in the past.
“Things can change quickly in this game,” Roberts concluded. “But I feel really good about our situation right now.”
