4 fatal decisions that resulted in Dodgers getting swept by Diamondbacks

Leaving Ryan Yarbrough off NLDS roster

Speaking of ... wasn't the entire reason behind Ryan Yarbrough's acquisition to use him as a piggybacker in a playoff series? The soft-throwing lefty, who doubles as a spot starter and a long relief option, was the perfect arm to call upon if a game got blown up early or if Roberts needed three or more innings out of the 'pen.

Yarbrough wasn't exactly great during the second half with the Dodgers, but he had his moments. And he was certainly a better option to carry on the NLDS roster than Michael Grove, another rookie, who gave up a run in his first postseason appearance on Oct. 7 and then worked his way in and out of trouble on Wednesday.

Maybe this was a move for the future to prepare Grove for these spots, but the Dodgers gave the nod to a guy with a 6.13 ERA and 1.48 WHIP who didn't have the ability to successfully pitch two or more innings without getting shelled.

Yarbrough, had he been used properly if the Dodgers acted swiftly with removing Kershaw and Miller, could've been of value. Instead, they punted Game 1 by calling on Emmet Sheehan after Kershaw was taken out, and then for some reason gave Ryan Brasier 2.1 innings (he gave up a run, shocker) when he only threw more than 1.2 innings one two occasions in 2023.

Yarbrough could've deleted innings in Game 2 and perhaps helped the Dodgers go with a more effective bullpen game over Lynn in Game 3.