Phillies Set Sights on Dodgers’ Bullpen in Crucial NLDS Clash
The Philadelphia Phillies have secured a first-round bye and now prepare to host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS), following a decisive Wild Card series victory over the Cincinnati Reds. This matchup promises to be challenging, as the Dodgers enter as World Series favorites, fresh off a commanding performance against the Reds. However, the Phillies have identified a pivotal vulnerability within the Dodgers’ lineup—one that they intend to exploit.
Targeting the Dodgers’ Bullpen
As noted by analysts Eno Sarris, Matt Gelb, and Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers’ bullpen has emerged as a significant concern. Despite their recent success against Cincinnati, the Dodgers’ relief pitchers showed signs of struggle, allowing the Reds to threaten in both games. For the Phillies, the strategy is straightforward: wear down the starting pitchers and force the Dodgers’ bullpen into action.
To achieve this, the Phillies’ hitters will need to channel their inner Bryson Stott. Renowned for his patience at the plate, Stott excels at drawing pitches. He ranks just behind Mike Trout and Marcell Ozuna in pitches seen per plate appearance, averaging 4.40 pitches each time he steps up to bat. If the Phillies can replicate this approach throughout the series, they could set the stage for trouble for Los Angeles’ relief corps.
Exploiting the Opportunity
Getting to the Dodgers’ bullpen early will be crucial for the Phillies. The longer they can keep the starters in the game, the more opportunities they will have to capitalize on the vulnerabilities of the relief pitchers. The Dodgers’ bullpen has had its fair share of struggles this season, with Tanner Scott, who signed a hefty $72 million contract, frequently failing to close games. Emmett Sheehan, transitioning from a starting role to relief, faced challenges in his Wild Card debut, while Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen ended the season on shaky ground.
Beyond these names, the bullpen features several less established arms, with Anthony Banda and Jack Dryer also experiencing inconsistent performances. The wild card for the Dodgers, however, is Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki. Initially a starter, Sasaki has rebounded from a dip in velocity to become the Dodgers’ go-to closer.
Kershaw’s Potential Role
Clayton Kershaw, a postseason veteran, may also find himself in a relief role. While his regular-season accolades are impressive, his playoff performances have occasionally raised eyebrows, leaving fans uncertain about what to expect.
An Early Test Against Ohtani
The Phillies will face a formidable challenge from the start, as they encounter Shohei Ohtani in his postseason pitching debut. Ohtani’s presence on the mound adds another layer of difficulty, underscoring the need for the Phillies to execute their game plan effectively.
This NLDS showdown between the Phillies and Dodgers is poised to be one of the most captivating series of October. The victor will likely be seen as the team to beat in the postseason. For the Phillies, success hinges on their ability to penetrate the Dodgers’ bullpen early and often. With a roster capable of delivering late-inning offense, they stand a strong chance of finding success against their opponents’ relief pitchers.
