Although Tyler Anderson was named to the Los Angeles Dodgers postseason rotation well before the National League Division Series began, when he would start was not decided — or at least publicly announced — until after the San Diego Padres won Game 2 at Dodger Stadium.
In a mild surprise, the Dodgers elected to hold Anderson for Game 4. Manager Dave Roberts explained the off day would allow the bullpen to reset and be prepared to shoulder a heavy workload after Tony Gonsolin, who was on a pitch count for Game 3.
By the time Anderson got to take the mound, the Dodgers were on the brink of elimination. He pitched five scoreless innings but the Dodgers bullpen uncharacteristically stumbled in the 5-3 loss.
“Obviously it doesn’t really feel very rewarding with the way it ended,” Anderson said from a somber visitors clubhouse at Petco Park.
“But like I said earlier in the year, I just want to be on a team that’s going to be in the postseason and I want to have a chance to do whatever I can to help us win. You know you’re facing elimination, so you just kind of leave everything you have out there.”
Anderson added the Dodgers’ getting eliminated in the NLDS “sucked,” particularly given their World Series expectations. However, joining L.A. for the 2022 season overall was a pleasant experience for the left-hander.
“It’s just been so much fun playing with all these guys. Everybody worked so hard. Whatever happened, it wasn’t for a lack of effort,” he said. “Just grateful to be a part of this group.”
The Dodgers going away from Anderson was questioned at the time and more so given the result, but the 32-year-old was not among those to take issue with the decision.
“I felt good the whole time. But we have an unbelievable bullpen and they’ve been so good all year,” Anderson said. “They’ve helped us win so many games this year, so you understand trying to piece this thing together and get us to tomorrow. Yeah, I could have gone five more. Who knows?
“I would’ve thrown 150 pitches if they would’ve let me, but you never second-guess that situation.”
Will Dodgers re-sign Tyler Anderson?
Anderson is due to be among the group of Dodgers free agents the morning after the World Series concludes, and he figures to command a multi-year contract. It’s presumed the Dodgers will extend the qualifying offer, which is set at a $19.65 million salary for the 2023 season.
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