Dave Roberts Says Dodgers’ Current Bullpen Usage is ‘Absolutely Not’ Sustainable

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in baseball, but that is not to say the defending champions are not experiencing any issues this season.

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For one, the Dodgers have dealt with myriad injuries in the first two months of the season. Several key players in the lineup and pitching staff have been sidelined, and don’t appear to be returning anytime soon.

Furthermore, a concerning trend has continued to unravel for the Dodgers. L.A.’s bullpen currently leads the league in innings with a total of 161. Meanwhile, Dodgers starters have pitched the fewest innings out of any MLB rotation with 167.

Manager Dave Roberts admitted that the Dodgers could not maintain their success with an overworked bullpen and starters who can’t pitch deep into games.

“It just seems like certain guys – and I could go back on each starter – but you’re still trying to manage their health and … [be] mindful of the innings that the bullpen is taking on and trying to stagger as much you can, and manage leverage and all that stuff,” Roberts said recently.

“Absolutely not, we (don’t) want to lead the league in bullpen innings.”

The loss of Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell has certainly put more pressure on Dodgers relievers since the team has now started implementing bullpen games. Injuries certainly intertwine with the bullpen’s heavy workload.

The Dodgers entered last postseason with an overworked bullpen and just three starting pitchers. While the Dodgers managed to win it all, the chances of winning another World Series so short-handed seem extremely slim.

What the Dodgers intend to do to fix the problem remains a mystery, but Roberts is certainly aware of the concerning trend.

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Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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