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If you were manager Dave Roberts, who from the Dodgers' bullpen would you trust to lock down a save situation?
The bullpen is getting healthier, especially with the anticipated return of Alex Vesia on Tuesday. But the late innings have been shaky, none more so than on Saturday at Camden Yards, where Yoshinobu Yamamoto's near no-hitter turned into a Dodgers loss in the blink of an eye.
Each game going forward could have implications for the Dodgers (80-64) in the postseason, with the team entering Tuesday with just a one-game lead over the Padres in the National League West. That means that each day is an opportunity for the team's relievers to earn Roberts' trust.
"This is our pennant race right now. It started early, and we’ve got to win every game," Roberts said. "It's about, for me, trusting the guys. And you [earn trust] by performing and going after guys, and not pitching too carefully. I'm gonna go with the guys that I trust. They're all talented in their own right, but yeah, you're gonna go with the guys you trust.
“This is a great audition opportunity for each of them."
Here are some of the biggest questions surrounding the Dodgers' bullpen down the stretch and in the postseason:
Could Ohtani be an option out of the 'pen?
Shohei Ohtani has closed out a title game on a big stage before, and it was electric. The Dodgers could look to replicate that performance. But it would be complicated.
As a starting pitcher, Ohtani is allowed to remain as the designated hitter once his outing on the mound is over. But if Ohtani started the game as the DH and later entered to pitch, he would have to finish the game on the mound. Otherwise, the Dodgers would forfeit their DH, losing Ohtani's bat.
Per Rule 5.11(b): "If that [two-way player] pitcher bats or runs as Designated Hitter, such move will not terminate the Designated Hitter role for that Club; neither will the role be terminated in the event that Designated Hitter assumes the role of pitcher on defense. However, if that player is switched from the mound or Designated Hitter role to a position on defense other than pitcher, such move will terminate the Designated Hitter role for that Club for the remainder of the game."
“There’s obviously thoughts about that,” Roberts told reporters last weekend in Baltimore. “I can’t answer that question right now. But we’re going to do whatever we feel gives us the best chance to give us a chance to win. And I know Shohei would be open to whatever. We haven’t certainly made that decision.”
Can the big acquisitions get on track?
Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates came with high expectations when they signed with the Dodgers in the offseason. As did Blake Treinen when he re-upped with the team. And as the lone bullpen upgrade ahead of the Trade Deadline, so did Brock Stewart.
Scott and Yates have not performed up to expectations. Treinen missed more than three months due to injury and has had some shaky outings since coming back. Stewart made only four appearances for the Dodgers before going on the IL, although he is nearing a return.
In an ideal world, at least two of the four would bounce back in these final weeks to pair with Vesia and Michael Kopech (who has missed plenty of time himself) in the late innings. If not …
Will the rookies rise to the top?
The Dodgers' unlikely innings leaders among relievers this year: Ben Casparius, Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski.
Yes, it's skewed by the fact that Casparius and Wrobleski were briefly used as starters this year, but the trio of rookies has carried the load for a beleaguered Dodgers bullpen. As the team evaluates its late-inning options, these three, along with Edgardo Henriquez, should be under consideration.
Are there any wild cards?
Kyle Hurt, who's on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, somewhat fits this bill. But the true wild card is Brusdar Graterol.
Graterol has spent this year rehabbing from right shoulder labrum surgery at the team's complex in Arizona, but not much is known about where he is in his throwing progression. The Dodgers aren't expecting to have him back for the regular season, but they haven't quite closed the door beyond then.
"The last couple years he's missed significant time," Roberts said, "but then when he's ready, he has the ability to kind of not let the postseason faze him. … I wouldn't be surprised with that guy."