The Los Angeles Dodgers may need to address their bullpen before MLB's Aug. 3 trade deadline following a late-game collapse in an 8-3 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday. The team's relief unit faltered in the sixth and seventh innings, allowing multiple three-run home runs that erased an early lead and secured a series loss at Citi Field.
Despite the impending return of closer Edwin Díaz, activated from the injured list this week after a procedure to address loose bodies in his elbow, the rest of the bullpen has shown recent vulnerabilities. Manager Dave Roberts had expressed confidence in his relief corps earlier, but recent outings have highlighted concerns, particularly among the team's right-handed options.
In the sixth inning, reliever Evan Phillips entered the game with the Dodgers leading 3-1 and gave up a decisive three-run home run to the Mets' Tyrone Taylor, putting New York ahead 4-3. The following inning, Will Klein fared worse, allowing a three-run shot to pinch-hitter Marcus Semien after a leadoff walk, an infield single, and a passed ball contributed to another run. This implosion overshadowed a five-inning, one-run start from Emmet Sheehan.
While the Dodgers' bullpen has been a strength for much of the season, ranking eighth in MLB with a 3.79 ERA entering Sunday, the performance against the Mets served as a reminder of its fallibility. Phillips has appeared rusty in his return from Tommy John surgery, with his command being an issue despite improved velocity. Klein's performance has declined since early June, with his ERA rising to 6.00 in that span. Even Edgardo Henriquez, usually a consistent right-hander, has experienced command problems recently.
The team also has Brock Stewart, a veteran reliever who has been effective when healthy but has a history of injuries. The Dodgers are anticipating reinforcements, with Ben Casparius beginning a rehab assignment and Blake Treinen progressing from elbow inflammation. However, the existing uncertainties could prompt the front office to seek upgrades at the trade deadline.
On a brighter note for the Dodgers, Freddie Freeman reached his season goal of batting .300 for the first time this year after going 2-for-4 with an RBI double on Sunday. His single in the eighth extended his hitting streak, pushing his average to .301. Freeman has shown significant improvement since June 21, batting .373 in that period.
Phillips' struggles since returning from Tommy John surgery have been more pronounced than anticipated. Despite an increase in fastball velocity, averaging nearly 97 mph compared to 95.4 mph in his injury-shortened 2025 season, his command has wavered, leading to costly mistakes. The home run he allowed to Taylor, a sinker on an 1-1 count, was hit effectively by the batter.
The Dodgers are scheduled to host the Seattle Mariners for a three-game series starting Tuesday, following an off day on Monday.