The Los Angeles Dodgers season has been full of success, but a cloud of concern hangs over the team as the postseason approaches. Despite a powerful offense and an enviable record, the relief pitchers, who were supposed to be the team’s great strength, have fallen well short of expectations.
During the offseason, the Dodgers made a major investment to bolster their bullpen, signing two All-Star pitchers: Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott. The arrival of these veterans was seen as a key move to secure the World Series title. However, their performance has been one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
Questionable pitchers
In the last game, frustration reached a boiling point. Kirby Yates allowed three earned runs in less than an inning, while Tanner Scott surrendered a walk-off grand slam that sealed a defeat.
These failures at crucial moments have generated harsh criticism. MLB analyst Blake Harris even went so far as to label these costly signings as “worse than s***”, in a clear sign of growing outrage among fans and pundits.
Dave Roberts to the rescue of his players
Despite the challenges, manager Dave Roberts has come to the defense of his pitchers. In a press conference, Roberts expressed his confidence in them: “We need to keep giving them confidence. They are high-pressure players and we are going to need them”. This stance, while understandable, does little to allay concerns about a unit that, on paper, should be elite.
With the postseason just around the corner, the Dodgers face a dilemma. The history of their recent relief acquisitions is a lingering problem. Time is running out and fans are hoping the team can find a way to stabilize its bullpen before its title dream completely fades away.
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