Comparing Dodgers Bullpen to Mets: Who Has The Edge in NLCS?
There was a clear MVP in the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres and it wasn’t who most would have expected.
The Dodgers bullpen was dominant against the Padres and is prepared for the challenge that lies ahead against the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series.
“If you’re talking about a series MVP,” manager Dave Roberts said after closing out the Padres in the NLDS, “it’s our bullpen, clearly.”
When it comes to the NLCS, the Dodgers have a slight edge comparing the two ‘pens head-to-head. Los Angeles has the third-best bullpen ERA with 3.53 compared to New York’s ninth-best 4.03.
The six relievers Roberts trusts most—Daniel Hudson, Anthony Banda, Alex Vesia, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Blake Treinen—worked together to throw 19.2 scoreless innings during the NLDS.
The Dodgers will be without Vesia this series but the other five have plenty of experience and are ready to take on the Mets.
“We know that the postseason runs through the bullpen,” Phillips said after the NLDS win. “Through all the ups and downs throughout the year, we know we’re building toward this moment.”
New York’s bullpen has been a little less reliable allowing 11 runs in 25.2 innings so far this postseason.
The Mets’ most-trusted arm is closed Edwin Diaz who has been shaky throughout the season and playoffs including blowing a save in Game 2 against the Phillies and walking five of the 17 batters he has faced.
The Dodgers’ pitching strategy during the NLDS was largely based on their bullpen, and Roberts remarked that the results were “perfect.” The series concluded with the Dodgers shutting out the Padres for the last 24 innings.
“Those guys really stepped up and just did everything and more than we could have hoped for,” Roberts said. “To shut that team out for 24 straight innings is near impossible. And we did it in really fine fashion.
“I just don’t see that playing out again in a seven-game series. I’ve got to lean on other guys to cover some innings, and/or expecting a little bit more out of the starters.”
In the NLDS, the bullpen was tasked with 25.2 innings, and they rose to the occasion, delivering an impressive 19 scoreless innings during the Dodgers’ three wins against the Padres. This included a standout performance in Game 4, where the relievers combined for a seven-hit shutout while facing elimination.
Is it possible for Los Angeles to have a bullpen game in the NLCS?
“There’s certainly a possibility of a bullpen game or two (in the NLCS),” Roberts said. “But with that we’re going to have to ask innings from other guys. That’s just the reality. I don’t think that in a seven-game series, we have the luxury to max out guys like we did from the ’pen in a five-game series.”
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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