Dodgers' bullpen problems are getting louder and louder as media digs in

The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first wild card team in MLB to advance to the next round after sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in two games, and LA has its top two starting pitchers to thank for the dominant NLWC series.

In Game 1, Blake Snell allowed just two earned runs in seven innings. In Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto shut the door on Cincinnati with zero earned runs across 6 2/3 innings. Both pitchers struck out nine Reds in their respective masterclasses.

The Dodgers’ bullpen was another story entirely. Despite optimistic statements from manager Dave Roberts about his ‘pen, LA’s relievers have struggled all year long, and the Reds series was nothing but a reminder of that. As soon as Snell exited Game 1, the Dodgers’ bullpen started letting Cincinnati back into the game. It took three Dodgers relievers — Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez, and Jack Dreyer — and a combined 59 pitches to get three outs in the eighth inning. Vesia allowed two earned runs and registered just one out. Henriquez walked two batters, allowed an earned run, and didn’t tally an out.

Game 2 was better for LA’s ‘pen, but it still wasn’t a clean showing, with Emmet Sheehan surrendering two earned runs and recording just one out in the seventh inning.

So, while the Dodgers are indeed into the divisional series, their most glaring weakness is showing no signs of improvement, which was quite the talking point around MLB media after Los Angeles’ Game 1 performance. 

MLB analysts express collective concern over Dodgers' bullpen

Among the pundits discussing the Dodgers’ troublesome pitching situation (across different programs) were Greg Amsinger, Dan Plesac, and Harold Reynolds of MLB Network, Colin Cowherd of FOX Sports, and Los Angeles Times’ Jack Harris, who appeared as a guest on a “Foul Territory” episode hosted by AJ Pierzynski.

Though operating on a few different platforms, the collective analysis on the Dodgers’ bullpen from these different baseball minds resulted in a few recurring themes, starting with the initial premise that there is an obvious problem.

The Dodgers’ bullpen is an obvious weakness that won’t go away on its own

Cowherd went as far as to say that the Dodgers’ ‘pen will prevent them from repeating as champs. 

Jack Harris reminded everyone that Los Angeles’ bullpen woes are not a new development. He's covered the team intently all year. He would know best.

Analysts also pointed to the fact that LA’s deep stable of starting pitchers and its ridiculously talented offense could help offset the shaky bullpen. In essence, LA will need Dave Roberts to come up with some outside-the-box solutions to the Dodgers’ bullpen problem.

Despite LA's awesome offense, however, it's clear that the bullpen could doom the Dodgers if Roberts doesn't concoct some creative solutions. Shohei Ohtani could ultimately be the secret weapon that cures all ills for the Dodgers.

In Ohtani, the Dodgers truly do have something that no one else does. And they may very well need all Ohtani can offer in overcoming their highest barrier to a title this October. Otherwise? They won't be able to get away with what they just did against the Reds when they travel to Philly.