The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with a widespread pitching crisis this season, with 14 pitchers on the injured list collectively earning over $100 million. The team is vigorously rotating through signings, promotions, and releases of pitchers in an ongoing effort to maintain a competitive edge.
In a match against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night, the Dodgers found themselves in a predicament when they trailed by the third inning and lacked sufficient options on the mound. Consequently, the defending World Series champions had to concede the game, resulting in an 11-1 loss to the Padres.
Matt Sauer, a 26-year-old minor leaguer called up for the fourth time this season, pitched 111 times, surrendering 13 hits, three walks, and nine runs. He faced 30 batters during his appearance. The Dodgers allowed Sauer 4 2/3 innings of play, despite his lackluster performance, and the Padres capitalized on this, transforming what was a highly anticipated game into a one-sided affair.
Multipurpose player Kiké Hernández took over pitching duties during the sixth inning, completing the final 2 1/3 innings. He allowed three hits and one earned run with pitches that did not exceed 57 mph. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts grimly conceded that they had to abandon efforts to win after falling behind in the third inning.
“We’ve got to consider where our bullpen stands and appreciate what’s available in the coming days,” Roberts commented. “Matt pitched the most he ever has, essentially taking one for the team to save others for upcoming games. We’re here to win a series, and we’re still in a position to achieve that.”
The Dodgers relied on four key relievers on Monday night, each contributing to their narrow 8-7 victory over the Padres in a ten-inning game. Using this strategy left the bullpen exhausted for Tuesday’s game, which opened with Lou Trivino on the mound for a short one-inning stint.
The Dodgers’ current rotation is a piecemeal arrangement, as injuries have sidelined prominent starters like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin, and Gavin Stone. Shohei Ohtani is also slowly progressing in his return. At present, veteran Clayton Kershaw, along with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Dustin May, are among the few active pitchers. The remaining rotation consists of temporary call-ups and bullpen games. Roberts considered saving the bullpen for Wednesday when Justin Wrobleski starts, another stopgap player.
“It’s about working with the staff available, pushing where possible, and making the best of the starters we have,” said Roberts. Sauer accepted his temporary role, underscoring that his focus was on delivering innings while team waits for its regular roster to regather.
“I must improve my ball placement,” admitted Sauer, who signed with the Dodgers last winter. “It’s not about pride. My role is to soak up innings, and I am determined to perform every outing.”
The Dodgers’ persistent resilience, despite extensive injuries, is noteworthy. Last season unfolded similarly, with many pitchers missing substantial periods, including the postseason. The Dodgers clinched the World Series utilizing an unconventional October pitching rotation including Jack Flaherty, Yamamoto, and Walker Buehler, supplemented by numerous bullpen games. Despite Flaherty and Buehler leaving in free agency, Roberts is unfazed by suggestions that last year’s bullpen strategy might reflect overconfidence in managing the current crisis.
“Today wasn’t a bullpen day,” Roberts argued. “Last year, we had many available options other days, not like today where someone had to cover multiple innings. Comparing both isn’t fair; when behind, you just ride it out.”