With so many question marks surrounding the current state of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation, the spotlight intensifies on the bullpen’s ability to rise to the occasion and carry the team through the critical stretch of the season. The performance of the relief crew is often directly influenced by the starting rotation, especially when starters struggle to pitch deep into games.
When starters are unable to go beyond four or five innings, the bullpen is forced into action earlier and more frequently. This increased workload can strain relievers and impact their effectiveness over time. A strong and versatile bullpen can handle this challenge, but frequent usage can still lead to fatigue and diminished performance.
Key relievers need to step up and provide consistent innings, and it’s crucial for skipper Dave Roberts to manage their workloads carefully to prevent burnout. Additionally, having a mix of pitchers who can handle high-leverage situations is vital, especially as the team navigates the pressures of the playoffs.
Evan Phillips’s 2024 Roller Coaster Ride
Depth and flexibility in the bullpen can also allow for strategic matchups against opposing batters, maximizing the team’s chances in tight games. As the regular season winds down, monitoring the bullpen’s health and performance will be essential for the team’s postseason aspirations.
Based on talent and past performance alone, the Dodgers certainly have the relievers to support the rotation. The problem is that many of the names who have been lights-out for long stretches of their careers — particularly Evan Phillips — have been largely inconsistent.
After a sluggish first half, Phillips appeared to be making a comeback during the month of August with a lights-out 0.73 ERA and a 1.47 FIP with 20 punchouts over 12-1/3 innings of work. However, his five-run meltdown against the Braves on Saturday while only recording a single out shows just how vulnerable he can be.
Age and Injuries
Another indirect consideration is the age of several of the key pieces. All four of Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen, Ryan Brasier and Joe Kelly (if he makes it back from the injured list), are older than 36. While age is not an direct factor, it can have a lot to do with performance and consistency.
The jury is still out on flamethrowing Brusdar Graterol, who has made just three appearances after missing nearly the entire season with shoulder issues and then a hamstring problem following his initial comeback attempt. The 25-year-old righty has shown glimpses of promise in previous years, but he has never really proven himself long-term as an elite reliever.
The Good
Lefty Alex Vesia is among the team’s most steady performers and leads the entire pitching staff with 62 appearances. The 28-year-old southpaw has already tied a career-high with 79 strikeouts and could set a new personal-low ERA if his current 1.76 mark holds up. Nevertheless, Vesia remains as the club’s lone lefty relief option since Anthony Banda broke his throwing hand in a senseless bout of rage last week.
Since joining the Dodgers from the White Sox before the 2024 trade deadline, Michael Kopech has become a pivotal force in the bullpen. Despite his underwhelming performance in Chicago, Kopech has revitalized his career with the Dodgers, showcasing improved control and effectiveness. His high-velocity fastball and sharp slider have made him a key weapon in late-game situations, often providing crucial outs in high-leverage moments.
This turnaround has significantly bolstered the team’s relief corps, demonstrating the impact of a change of scenery on a player’s performance. In 18 innings of work in 18 appearances since arriving in Los Angeles, Kopech has tallied an impressive 1.00 ERA with 22 punchouts.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers push toward the postseason, the performance of their relievers will be under an increasingly harsh spotlight. While the bullpen has shown resilience, the heavy workload and occasional inconsistency raise legitimate concerns. The potential worst-case scenarios for Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw could place even greater strain on the bullpen as the regular season finishes up.
With every game becoming critical, the depth and reliability of the relievers will be tested like never before, leaving fans to wonder if they can sustain their level of excellence under mounting pressure.