The problems the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen faced in 2025 were multifaceted and couldn’t be pinned down to a single issue.
The 2025 Dodgers bullpen had a nearly identical workload to the 60-102 Chicago White Sox, and had 21.2 more innings thrown than the third team on the list.
There was also plenty of talent lost due to injury, including Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart and Brusdar Graterol. To make matters worse, previously reliable veterans and key free agent signings also struggled to perform.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the most rational assessment of the bullpen’s cumulative issues from last season encompassed everything from physical and mental issues to injury.
Because of all the adversity faced and the talent in the room, Roberts has reason to expect improved results in 2026.
“I think it’s a combo,” he said. “I think that’s probably the honest answer, the vague answer, all of the above. I think that there were some injuries with our ‘pen guys, and we could go through the list.
“I think there was some performance, physical, mental. So I think individually, it’s kind of a case-by-case. But yeah, I think that the talent was certainly there. They did pick us up when we needed them. But I think that they’re going to be better this year is my thought.”
So the Dodgers made a major investment to improve the position group in the offseason with the signing of Edwin Díaz. But the organization also believes there will be improvements from last year’s group with the talent they have in the room.
Part of the reason the Dodgers are optimistic about the performance from the bullpen this season is because they have faith in Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen and other veterans.
“I think Tanner’s a big part of it as far as what we invested in him, and his talent, what he’s done in a postseason a few years ago, which we saw firsthand,” Roberts said.
“Obviously, adding Diaz at the back end is huge for us. And getting Alex Vesia back, I think, is going to be good. And also Blake. Blake wasn’t right last year, clearly. He’s throwing the baseball really well.
“And having guys that you trust is everything for the ‘pen, to then give other guys, whoever they might be, the Jack Dreyer’s and different guys like that, some breathing room. So you got to count on those veteran guys for sure.”
Dodgers’ bullpen workload wasn’t too demanding individually
While the bullpen threw the most innings in MLB last season, Roberts believes it wasn’t one of the factors that impacted performance.
The Dodgers’ skipper said the organization made good use of starters and hybrids as long relievers, along with making constant changes on their roster, to spare some wear and tear on the high-leverage options.
“I don’t know the exact innings for all these guys, but I think that in totality, the bullpen was used a lot, but I do think that individually, it wasn’t that much, it wasn’t that as far as workload,” he said. “I think the bullpen numbers are skewed because we used so many different guys, and guys like starters, hybrids in the ‘pen that log bullpen innings.
“But I don’t think that individually it’s because Tanner threw too much, Blake threw too much, Alex threw too much, or Dreyer or whoever. I don’t think that individually it was because their workload was kind of much higher.”
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