Dodgers Will Run Bullpen Game in World Series, Says Dave Roberts

With only four starting pitchers in the rotation, the Dodgers have relied heavily on the bullpen. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts constantly made pitching changes to keep their opponents from getting comfortable with one pitcher.

In a win-or-go-home Game 4 of the National League Division Series, the Padres faced eight different pitchers throughout the game. Although the strategy was “annoying” to their opponents, the bullpen saved the Dodgers from elimination and made MLB history. After Game 4, the Dodgers became the first team to throw 15 or more scoreless innings after allowing six or more runs in a single inning of a postseason game. 

Given the success of the bullpen throughout the postseason, it is no surprise that Roberts plans to run at least one bullpen game in the World Series. The Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett reported that Roberts confirmed Tuesday that Game 3 or 4 will be a bullpen game. Game 7 could also be a bullpen game depending on how the series plays out.

In addition to confirming a future bullpen game, the Dodgers announced the starting pitchers for Games 1 and 2. Right-hander Jack Flaherty will start Game 1, allowing the Los Angeles native to make his World Series debut in his hometown. Rookie right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start in Game 2.

The Dodgers are hopeful for the return of relievers Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol for the World Series. Vesia pitched in the NLDS but exited before the eighth inning of Game 5 with a rib cage injury. Graterol, a 2020 World Series champion, has not played this postseason. He has been injured for the majority of the regular season with a shoulder injury. However, both pitchers have made progress to be considered for the World Series.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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