Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Slams Bullpen, Stands Behind Yency Almonte Decision
The Dodgers dropped a game they should have won on Wednesday, thanks to yet another late-inning collapse by the bullpen. The Dodgers led 4-2 heading into the eighth inning, and Yency Almonte had just finished a dominant 1-2-3 seventh.
However, Roberts decided to keep Almonte in for the eighth, and he allowed a leadoff double and a game-tying two-run home run to the first two batters of the inning. The Dodgers bullpen ended up continuing to fall apart, ultimately giving up six runs to the White Sox in the final two innings and losing 8-4.
The Dodgers led 4-2 going into the top of the 8th inning.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 15, 2023
They're now down 8-4 heading into the bottom of the 9th.
What a collapse by the Dodgers bullpen, and terrible decisions on how they were utilized.
The Dodgers bullpen needs a complete revamp. This is just embarrassing. https://t.co/N4QAXmL3Ih
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about his decision to keep Almonte in the game. He called it a “no-brainer,” and said he didn’t think it was “a big ask” for Almonte to get five outs. He also slammed the Dodgers bullpen (yet again) for their lack of results.
“It’s very frustrating, and they have to do better,” Roberts said of the Dodgers bullpen. “It’s not workload. It’s not the wrong lanes or the right lanes, it’s they need to be better. Period.”
Via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register
While I agree with Roberts that this bullpen needs to be better, I disagree with the fact that it was a “no-brainer” to keep Almonte in, especially considering both Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips were available, as confirmed by Roberts after the game.
#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the only reliever unavailable tonight was Caleb Ferguson.
He considered going with Brusdar Graterol to start the eighth, but said he didn't think it was "a big ask" to try and get Yency Almonte through five hitters.— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) June 15, 2023
If Graterol pitched the eighth and Evan Phillips got the ninth — or vice-versa — the Dodgers probably walk out of Dodger Stadium with a win. But instead, the Dodgers used five relievers who gave up a combined six runs and the Dodgers lost a game they should have won.
If Brusdar Graterol pitched the 8th inning and Evan Phillips got the 9th, the Dodgers likely leave this game with a win and a 39-29 record.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 15, 2023
Instead, they use Yency Almonte for another inning, Alex Vesia and, after Graterol stopped the bleeding, Tayler Scott and Victor Gonzalez.
Either way, Roberts admitted that this team’s inability to hold leads is very deflating.
“It’s very deflating,” Roberts said. “Clayton (Kershaw) pitched his ass off, competed, didn’t have a whole lot as far as stuff. Gutted his way through six innings. One inning, his last inning, he had to get five outs. We took a lead and we gave it away. Can’t lose that game.”
Via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register
The Dodgers bullpen now has a 4.90 ERA this season, which is the worst in the National League, and only better than the 19-51 Oakland Athletics. If this ERA were to hold up, it would be the worst Dodgers bullpen ERA since the team moved to Los Angeles. That was back in 1958.
It's the middle of June and the Dodgers have the worst bullpen ERA in the National League at 4.90.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 15, 2023
Only the 19-51 Oakland Athletics have a worse bullpen ERA.
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That’s what you get from the “DOC” a no brainer excuse.
Agree but Roberts was probably saving the bullpen for tonight’s game. Grove may as well as an opener at this stage. Hope he can figure out the big leagues sooner rather than later.
Roberts is a robot. He calls out the bullpen but doesn’t take responsibility of his misuse of the personnel in the bullpen. He’s done nothing over the years to make the bullpen a strong part of the team. He’s ruined more arms than can be counted. We do have a weak pen but our manager is weaker and needs to be fired.