The Los Angeles Dodgers know they can’t afford many mistakes in the MLB postseason. They survived the Wild Card round, defeating the Cincinnati Reds, but facing the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Divisional Series (NLDS) will be an entirely different challenge, especially given the intense atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park.
One of the most pressing concerns for the Dodgers is their bullpen. Manager Dave Roberts knows his relievers must step up significantly if the team hopes to survive this tough series and compete for the National League championship.
Dave Roberts Doesn’t Hide His Concern
Roberts expressed this after the Dodgers nearly faltered in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. While the offense produced 10 runs and Blake Snell pitched effectively, the bullpen took over in the eighth inning, issuing several walks, allowing three runs, and leaving the bases loaded multiple times.
Blake Treinen, who has struggled in high-pressure situations over the past two months-costing the Dodgers several games-handled the ninth inning. This time, he delivered, securing the save with authority. However, despite the victory, the Dodgers’ bullpen again raised doubts about its reliability, and Roberts remains uncertain about whom he can trust.
“Yeah. I think-you like them all, you trust them all, to various degrees. And I think in the postseason, you have to go with ultimately who you feel best in that one spot,” Roberts told the media after the game. “And so it’s ever-evolving, and I’m not going to be blind to performance and heartbeat and how guys respond to certain situations. It’s sort of a daily kind of conversation with the pitching coaches, the front office, and just kind of-and most importantly, what I see.”
Heading into the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Dodgers will have new options on the mound. Clayton Kershaw will join the roster, bringing his experience and quality as a left-handed starter. Kershaw has delivered in critical moments before, and given his strong performance this season, he could become the reliable arm Roberts desperately needs. Additionally, left-hander Anthony Banda is expected to bolster the bullpen as a relief option.
The Dodgers will need their relievers to rise to the occasion and secure key outs in October baseball. Otherwise, their hopes of becoming back-to-back World Series champions could slip away.
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