Dodgers’ Game 5 feels doomed from the start by worrisome Jack Flaherty velocity drop

The Los Angeles Dodgers are just getting under way against the Mets in Game 5 of the NLCS and there is already cause for concern. A three-run homer from Pete Alonso in the bottom of the first has LA at an early 3-0 deficit and the offense has some work to do to catch back up, but the bigger issue is how Jack Flaherty is looking.

Flaherty has been a very important part of the Dodgers' pitching staff since he was acquired at the trade deadline.

With so many injuries in their rotation, Flaherty's steady performance in 10 regular season and two postseason starts has been invaluable for LA, including his energy during what was a very high tension matchup with San Diego.

That is exactly why when Flaherty came out for Game 5, fans and observers alike were rather concerned with his drop in fastball velocity during that rough first inning.

Jack Flaherty's velocity drop could be a big problem for the Dodgers in Game 5

In Flaherty's first two playoff starts in 2024, he looked like his usual self, even when he struggled a bit with the long ball in the NLDS against the Padres. Moreover, the pitch Alonso tattooed was very low, and he just happened to put a good swing on it. Again, no real issues there.

The problem is that Flaherty's fastball velocity was down a couple miles an hour right off the rip. While it is possible that Flaherty was purposefully holding back a bit to preserve himself for later in the game, it isn't exactly what you want to see from a guy with a history of shoulder problems in one of the most important games of the season for the Dodgers.

Will Flaherty be able to rebound and get the Mets back under control? Hopefully the answer is yes, and the offense has since gotten one of those first inning runs back. However, it sure doesn't look like his velo is where you would expect it to be, and that could make things very tough the rest of the way for the Dodgers.

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