What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are increasingly depending on their starting pitchers as they approach the postseason, a shift from their recent bullpen-heavy strategies. Manager Dave Roberts has been extending the innings of starters like Tyler Glasnow, who recently pitched seven innings in a game against the Colorado Rockies. This change comes as the Dodgers' bullpen struggles, ranking 19th in the majors in ERA. The team is focusing on maximizing the efficiency of their starters to compensate for bullpen inconsistencies.
Why It's Important?
The Dodgers' reliance on starting pitching could be a decisive factor in their postseason performance. With a bullpen that has shown vulnerabilities, the ability of starters to pitch deep into games becomes critical. This strategy could help the Dodgers manage their pitching resources more effectively and maintain competitiveness in high-pressure playoff scenarios. The success of this approach will depend on the starters' ability to sustain their performance and adapt to the demands of postseason play.
What's Next?
As the Dodgers prepare for the playoffs, they will need to finalize their rotation strategy, potentially involving tough decisions about which pitchers to rely on in critical games. The team's ability to balance starter workloads and bullpen usage will be key to their success. Observers will be watching how Roberts manages these dynamics, especially given past criticisms of his pitching decisions in the postseason.
