Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025

The Dodgers’ bullpen struck again in a 9-to-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Shohei Ohtani was brilliant for five innings. He hadn’t allowed a hit. Dave Roberts chose to preserve Ohtani’s health, trusting his bullpen to preserve the lead. The Dodgers scored enough, even with home runs by Kiké Hernández, Alex Call, and Ohtani.

Though Justin Wrobleski has pitched well this year, he didn’t have it in the sixth when he allowed five runs. Edgardo Henriquez allowed a solo homer.

Jack Dreyer and Anthony Banda were excellent in their two innings. Roberts turned to his most trusted reliever, Blake Treinen, to pitch the ninth after the Dodgers tied the score. He allowed two hits, including a three-run homer. He is frustrated with his performance.

When the Dodgers score six runs, they should win. The defense didn’t commit an error. Now, the Dodgers have two weeks to address their bullpen problems. Brock Stewart, a right-handed reliever, is on a rehabilitation assignment. If he can return to the Dodgers and be effective, he should help the bullpen situation. Now, the Dodgers must hope their bullpen can respond quickly and perform well in the National League Wild Card series.

Before this season, people predicted the Dodgers would win more than 107 games. Now, they will be lucky if they win 92 games.

Shohei Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to have 50 home runs and 50 strikeouts as a pitcher. He is truly amazing.