The Los Angeles Dodgers’ first post-National League-West-clinching lineup did not include the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Muncy or Miguel Rojas, but they still managed to complete a sweep of the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
The Dodgers also opted for an unconventional bullpen game that saw Shelby Miller open, with Ryan Yarbrough and Gavin Stone filling bulk roles.
Miller tossed a scoreless first inning before making way to Yarbrough, who allowed one run over 4.2 frames in his return to the bullpen. Stone then recorded the final 10 outs without giving up a run to secure a 6-1 win for the Dodgers.
Manager Dave Roberts was pleased with all three pitchers’ respective performances in the series finale against the Mariners, per Doug Miller of MLB.com:
“Like I’ve said before, you can’t simulate the postseason, but what you can do is put guys in some different spots, give them some opportunities to go out there and perform,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And this environment right here is as good of a test for any young player or veteran player.”
Because of injuries and Julio Urías’ recent arrest, the Dodgers will need to get creative with their pitching plans in the postseason. That could mean using certain pitchers in different roles, as seen on Sunday against the Mariners, and other recent games.
L.A.’s postseason starting rotation will likely consist of some combination of Clayton Kershaw, Lance Lynn, Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot, and the bullpen figures to include Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Joe Kelly, Ryan Braiser and Caleb Ferguson, Miller and Yarbrough among others.
Andrew Friedman ‘very confident’ in Dodgers pitching staff for postseason
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged the difficult circumstances that have plagued the team but is optimistic they will field a talented collection of arms in October.
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