Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Praises Bullpen, Says Everyone Will Be Available for Game 3
Dodgers rookie sensation Bobby Miller gave up three runs and failed to reach the second inning in what turned out to be a shaky first postseason start in Game 2 of the NLDS.
LA manager Dave Roberts pulled Miller from the outing after just 52 pitches in an aggressive move that paid off in spades.
Roberts mentioned that all bullpen hands will need to be on deck once more after his sputtering offense contributed another disappointing loss to begin the Dodgers 2023 postseason.
“The bullpen was fantastic. Those guys gave us a chance to stay in the ball game and to win the baseball game. I can’t say enough about what they did. I think they’re in a good spot. We have the off day. The series sets up well in the sense of off days. They’ll all be available for Game 3.”
Brusdar Graterol stepped up to the plate and delivered six efficient outs in seven batters on just 23 pitches in his best outing of the season.
Ryan Brasier, solid all year long, continued his great work after he also went two-plus innings with just one run surrendered on a Lourdes Gurriel Jr. solo shot.
Joe Kelly took the mound next and went multiple innings in a high-leverage situation. The veteran easily answered the bell and retired five batters in his own 32-pitch outing on the bump.
Closer Evan Phillips finished off the job and worked his way around traffic on the bases to keep the Snakes to just one run total on the Dodgers’ bullpen on the night.
The problem? LA’s offense continued to be asleep at the wheel for the second game in a row and failed to take advantage of multiple great chances to score.
Superstars Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are now a combined 1-13 with just one single and three walks to their name to begin the 2023 postseason after being NL MVP candidates all regular season long.
The lone bright spot in Dave Roberts’ lineup was J.D. Martinez who homered in the fourth inning to put LA on the board after Zac Gallen’s great outing.
One more run would be all LA could muster and the team risks yet another embarrassing playoff exit to an NL West foe for the second year in a row.
For as good as Roberts’ bullpen was on Monday night, if his hitters don’t wake up with their season on the line, everyone on the team can start packing their bags for the offseason.
Photo Credit: Rob Schumacher, Arizona Republic
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