Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Mulls Over Bullpen Options for Playoffs
Dave Roberts Contemplates Pitching Choices as Playoffs Approach
Facing a season that has seen the Dodgers’ bullpen performance fall short of its previous standards, Manager Dave Roberts has revealed that the pitching lineup for the crucial October games might undergo significant changes compared to the current reliever options.
Speaking to the media ahead of a game against the Diamondbacks, Roberts acknowledged that making tough decisions regarding bullpen choices could eventually prove beneficial for the team’s postseason prospects.
The upcoming playoff journey presents Roberts with a variety of options, encompassing players on the mend from injuries and those who have made remarkable progress, as well as those whose recovery status remains somewhat uncertain.
Throughout the ongoing season, the Dodgers’ bullpen has struggled, with few exceptions like closer Evan Phillips and Brusdal Graterol.
Last year, the team stood as the second-best in terms of bullpen ERA across the league. However, the bullpen’s ERA has seen a noticeable increase, soaring from 2.87 in the previous year to 4.12 in 2023.
The Dodgers did undertake some strategic roster changes, acquiring Ryan Yarbrough and Joe Kelly during the trade deadline. Yet, the pivotal decision of selecting rehabilitated pitchers to take the mound in October remains a pressing concern for Dave Roberts.
As the Dodgers’ ace Walker Buehler recuperates from his second Tommy John surgery and Blake Treinen addresses his own shoulder injury that sidelined him for a significant part of 2022, the significance of having a robust array of bullpen options during the high-stakes postseason phase cannot be understated.
While the starting rotation has showcased marked improvement in August, potential adjustments to the team’s bullpen structure loom on the horizon.
In anticipation of the postseason push, Dodgers fans find themselves in a state of anticipation, eagerly awaiting the team’s strategic moves. As October draws closer, the suspense mounts regarding how Roberts will craft a potent pitching ensemble that can steer the Dodgers toward success in the playoffs.
“Worst case scenarios, we’re going to have some tough decisions. Which is a good thing.” Dave Roberts on the #Dodgers bullpen future. pic.twitter.com/TMbYkMwJfF
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 10, 2023
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Dodgers need late game relievers that pound the strike zone, and quickly get ahead in the count. Pitching to contact with quality pitches can earn quick outs and reduce high stress innings. Chris Martin (who the Dodgers somehow let slip away) has those qualities. Relievers don’t need to try and blow every hitter away with a high 90’s fastball. Power pitchers without command create high tension, high stress innings. I would rather have a softer throwing reliever throwing quality pitches to contact, getting a ground ball to shortstop in the first few pitches.