Dodgers' World Series roster highlighted by shocking bullpen shakeup

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees square off in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series on Friday night, and hours before first pitch, we've already encountered some surprising changes to LA's roster. While Dodgers' fans know that Jack Flaherty will be starting Game 1, it was always assumed that his top bullpen lieutenants would be there to back him up if the right-hander ran into trouble. But that may not be the case with Evan Phillips absent from Los Angeles' playoff roster.

This is a major blow to the Dodgers' relief corps, as Phillips has been diagnosed with arm fatigue. This is a terrible time for the injury bug to bite the Dodgers' pitching staff yet again; Phillips, who had his fair share of struggles during the regular season, has been one of the Dodgers' most reliable relievers during the postseason.

Dodgers' World Series roster highlighted by shocking bullpen shakeup

After posting a 3.62 ERA and 18 saves in 61 appearances, Phillips hadn't allowed a single run to dent the plate throughout the playoffs. In five games, the right-hander covered 6 2/3 innings and allowed just three hits while striking out six batters. This will be a tough pitcher for Dave Roberts to replace.

But the Dodgers' skipper will turn to Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia, both of whom will be part of LA's bullpen during the upcoming series against the Yankees after missing time themselves. Vesia was dealing with an injury of his own recently, but the southpaw is obviously healthy enough to help carry the load in this series.

As for the rest of the Dodgers' World Series roster, it's about what you'd expect. Freddie Freeman (unsurprisingly) is on the roster and expected to be in the starting lineup for Game 1. The Dodgers' first baseman has been dealing with an ankle injury, but the long layoff between series surely helped the former MVP get some much-needed rest.

Of course, likely NL MVP Shohei Ohtani and superstar outfielder Mookie Betts are on the roster, as are the likes of Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernández, and Will Smith. Miguel Rojas has also returned after missing the NLCS.

Flaherty gets the ball for Game 1, and Roberts has named Yoshinobu Yamamoto the starter for Game 2. While Aaron Boone has tapped Clarke Schimt for Game 3, Roberts hasn't named a starter when the series shifts from Chavez Ravine to the Bronx.

Buckle up, Dodgers fans. LA is looking to win their first World Series since 2020, and their first in a 162-game season since 1988. First pitch is scheduled for 5:08 p.m. PT with Flaherty facing off against Gerrit Cole.

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