Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed significant frustration with his bullpen following a recent series of blown saves, highlighting a lack of viable alternatives. The team's closer has struggled since returning from the injured list, including a blown save in a 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday night.
When asked about continuing to use the current closer in the ninth inning, Roberts pointed to the absence of other reliable options. "Who is the other option?" Roberts stated. "Give me another option. I have to have other options, and to be quite honest, none of those guys have really thrown the baseball great (lately)."
The Dodgers, despite boasting a star-studded roster, are facing challenges with their bullpen. The team signed the closer to a three-year, $69 million deal in the offseason, suggesting an investment that carries an obligation to maintain his role. However, the bullpen's recent performance is impacting the team's ability to secure victories, potentially affecting their chances for a first-round playoff bye.
Roberts indicated a lack of confidence in other potential bullpen arms. Tanner Scott, who has served as closer previously, has had mixed results recently. Edgardo Henriquez is considered a young pitcher who still needs to develop control over his pitches. Alex Vesia has shown effectiveness in high-leverage situations but has been dealing with issues related to walks. Jack Dreyer has emerged as a recent strong performer but also gave up a game-tying home run in a recent outing against the Kansas City Royals.
Roberts suggested that the bullpen's workload has been heavy, partly due to Shohei Ohtani's absence from the starting rotation and a recent streak of close games. The bullpen, which began the season as one of baseball's best units, has struggled to maintain that level of dominance as the team heads into the crucial stretch of the season and the postseason. For now, Roberts indicated that the current closer remains the primary option despite the ongoing struggles.