UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of elimination from the 2025 World Series after suffering a devastating 6-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 last night. This latest defeat places them at a three-games-to-two deficit in the series, raising urgent questions about their critically flawed bullpen.
In a pivotal seventh inning, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts chose to bring in rookie Edgardo Henriquez to face Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with two outs and runners on the corners. The decision backfired spectacularly as Henriquez walked Guerrero on a wild 99.9-mph fastball, allowing the Blue Jays to extend their lead from two runs to three. The Dodgers’ hopes quickly faded as the game spiraled out of control.
The implications of this loss are staggering. The Dodgers, a team buoyed by stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, are now just one loss away from losing the championship they believed was within their grasp. Roberts expressed his frustration, noting, “It’s hard because you can only push a starter so much. I thought Blake emptied the tank.” Starting pitcher Blake Snell had already thrown 116 pitches before being replaced, leaving Roberts with limited options.
As the series progresses, the Dodgers may have to rethink their strategy. Reports confirm that Snell could pitch again in a potential Game 7, possibly as a middle reliever, while Ohtani might be called upon to start on just three days’ rest. The urgency is palpable, as the Dodgers’ bullpen struggles have become a glaring issue, allowing inherited runners to score in each of their three losses in this series.
Roberts emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “Guys got to be better.” However, the reality is stark; the Dodgers’ bullpen has been a liability, undermining their championship aspirations. The construction of this bullpen has been criticized as one of the greatest front-office miscalculations in franchise history. The Dodgers invested a combined $85 million in relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, neither of whom are even on the postseason roster.
Injuries have further complicated matters. Key reliever Brusdar Graterol missed the entire season, and Evan Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers’ failure to address their bullpen at the trade deadline has proven disastrous. They acquired only Brock Stewart, who has since been sidelined with injury, leaving the team with insufficient depth.
The Dodgers have managed to mask their bullpen issues through earlier rounds, but the cracks are now exposed. The team is fortunate not to be facing elimination already, as their postseason chances hinge on immediate and significant changes to their pitching strategy.
With the next game set for October 27, 2025, the Dodgers face a critical moment in their season. Fans are eager to see if Roberts can pull the right strings to salvage their World Series hopes. As the clock ticks down, the stakes couldn’t be higher for a franchise that has invested heavily in this season’s success.
The Dodgers’ road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the time for action is now. Will they rise to the occasion, or will this World Series slip through their fingers due to a constructed bullpen that has failed them at the worst possible moment? The baseball world is watching closely.
