The Los Angeles Dodgers closed out the National League Championship Series with a win over the New York Mets. A key part to the team’s success was the versatility of their relievers and their willingness to pitch in any spot.
Veteran right-hander Daniel Hudson played his own role, allowing just one earned run in 4.1 innings. His 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and focused approach, provided a steady force when his name was called upon.
Against the San Diego Padres in the Division Series, Hudson surrendered just one hit over his three outings. Heading into Game 6 of the NLCS, the all-hands-on-deck bullpen strategy of the Dodgers put every arm in a high leverage spot.
Without a gluttony of starting pitching options, the Dodgers relievers band together with a unified mentality, via SportsNet LA:
“I think it started with the bullpen games later in the year. It was like, ‘Hey man, don’t let those dogs out of the cage down there.’ We’re down there in that cage, don’t let us out, or we’re going to go out there and rip some peoples’ faces off.”
The Dodgers’ bullpen has logged 97 innings this postseason, eclipsing their World Series opponent in the New York Yankees, who required 82.2 innings from their relievers.
It’s no secret that the Dodgers asked a great deal from their relief pitchers, but the understanding of their job going into the postseason prepared them for this assignment. The coaching staff and game planning has been second-to-none in terms of effectiveness and implementation, but the ‘dogs’ have answered the call each time out.
How does Daniel Hudson factor into World Series
Hudson has been particularly effective against left-handed hitters this season because of his four-seam fastball.
Versus lefties, Hudson used his fastball at a 63.3% rate, mixing that with his slider and a seldom-used changeup. The beautiful piece to his game is the usage of slider versus righties, and how he held them to a .127 batting average against when throwing his main-offering in those moments.
Because of Yankees sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the Dodgers will rely on these splits in each matchup, hoping for their continued success in the World Series.
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