The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a tough decision in Game 4 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. Manager Dave Roberts had to choose between using his best relievers to try and mount a comeback or saving them for future games. Ultimately, Roberts decided to conserve his top arms for another day, even as the Dodgers fell to the Yankees 11-4.
The Dodgers had used six high-leverage relievers in Game 3, leaving them short-handed for Game 4. Roberts turned to lesser-known pitchers like Ben Casparius and Landon Knack to navigate through the early innings. When the game was still close in the eighth inning, instead of calling on his top relievers like Blake Treinen, Roberts went with Brent Honeywell, who struggled and allowed five runs.
Despite the loss, Roberts defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of managing the bullpen workload strategically. The Dodgers had previously relied on bullpen games in the postseason, with mixed results. Looking ahead, the team planned to start Jack Flaherty in Game 5 against the Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole, with a strong bullpen ready to support him.
While Game 4 did not go as planned for the Dodgers, they remained optimistic about their chances, holding a 3-1 lead in the series. The team’s focus was on regrouping and coming back stronger in the following games. Roberts expressed confidence in the depth of his bullpen and the team’s overall position, despite the setback in Game 4.
As the series continued, the Dodgers aimed to learn from their experiences and adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the Yankees. With key pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler lined up for potential pivotal games, the Dodgers were prepared to make the most of their opportunities. The team’s resilience and determination were evident as they looked to secure a World Series title.
In the end, the Dodgers’ pitching strategy in Game 4, while not successful, was part of a larger plan to maximize their chances of winning the championship. By making calculated decisions and leveraging their bullpen effectively, the team remained poised for success in the face of adversity. As the series progressed, the Dodgers remained a formidable opponent, ready to battle until the final out was recorded.
