If the Dodgers don’t improve in this area, it will be virtually impossible for them to compete for another World Series.
The MLB season has reached a point where the Los Angeles Dodgers have just 16 games left to play, with the National League West title still not secured and several concerns looming as they head into the postseason, where they aim to repeat as World Series champions.
In recent days, the starting rotation has looked spectacular, allowing a .091 batting average with 49 strikeouts over the last five games. However, the real worry lies in another department.
The Bullpen is a major concern
At least that’s the view of Sean Casey from MLB Network, who pointed to the Dodgers‘ bullpen and their offense as the primary concerns heading into the playoffs.
“I’m really worried about them,”Casey said on MLB Network. “I think the bullpen’s a mess. I don’t think Dave Roberts knows where to go right now. I don’t think the offense is that great. There’s a lot of things I’m worried about.”
Winning in the postseason without reliable relief pitching is tough, and the biggest concern here is the health and performance of these pitchers. The Dodgers invested approximately $107 million in relievers during the offseason, yet their collective bullpen ERA stands at 4.17, the 19th-worst in Major League Baseball.
Casey’s co-host, Mark DeRosa, echoed the doubts about the bullpen.
“I’m a little worried,” DeRosa said on MLB Network. “Just because, I love their starting staff, their lineup is a little light at the bottom, but I think they can overcome that. The bullpen is what’s freaking me out a little bit.”
Additionally, DeRosa expressed frustration with reliever Tanner Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Dodgers in January. Scott has recorded 21 saves this season but holds a 4.47 ERA. Saturday’s loss to the Baltimore Orioles was sealed by a walk-off single allowed by Scott, enabling the comeback.
“Blake Treinen, I know he came into the year dinged up, but when he’s right, no one punches him. He doesn’t look right. Tanner Scott, they gave him $72 million. That means you don’t give up hits. Well, he’s giving up hits now,” DeRosa said.
The Dodgers still have 16 regular-season games to play before finalizing their postseason roster and kicking off the playoffs.
