Dodgers Face Bullpen Dilemmas as Playoff Push Intensifies
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set for postseason play, but the path they’ve taken to get there raises more questions than answers. Just when the team seemed to find its rhythm, they stumbled again. Central to this inconsistency is a struggling bullpen, which may ultimately lead to an unconventional decision: utilizing Shohei Ohtani as a closer.
Ohtani’s Potential Role Shift
The Dodgers are contemplating the possibility of deploying Ohtani in a relief role during the playoffs. However, this scenario presents a strategic dilemma. If Ohtani takes the mound, he would have to relinquish his designated hitter position when it was his turn to bat. Should he start as a pitcher, he could remain in the game as a designated hitter after completing his pitching duties. This nuance complicates the Dodgers’ lineup decisions as the stakes rise.
Tanner Scott’s Troubles
A crucial figure in the Dodgers’ bullpen is Tanner Scott, whose signing was celebrated as a significant enhancement to their pitching depth. Scott joined the team on a four-year, $72 million deal, bringing hope for fortified relief options. However, his performance this season has not met expectations, and with the playoffs approaching, he is grappling with potential issues that could undermine his effectiveness.
Scott expressed his frustration candidly, acknowledging that he might be tipping his pitches. “I don’t know if I’m tipping or what, but they’re on everything. It sucks. … It was a fastball above the zone. Maybe I’m tipping. I have no friggin’ clue right now. It’s terrible. I’m having the worst year of my life. I gotta be better,” he stated.
The Urgency for Adjustment
If Scott is indeed tipping his pitches, the urgency to rectify this problem is paramount. In the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, any hint of predictability can be catastrophic, especially in tightly contested games where every pitch counts. Scott’s immediate challenge is to analyze game film and pinpoint the cues that may be giving away his plans to opposing hitters.
This situation places immense pressure on Scott, who must navigate the complexities of his mechanics while also contributing to a team with championship aspirations. As the Dodgers gear up for the postseason, they will need every ounce of talent and focus from their bullpen to ensure their dreams of October glory remain intact.
