UPDATE: In a stunning twist, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen collapsed, ruining Shohei Ohtani’s impressive five-inning no-hit performance and his milestone of 50 home runs this season. Just announced, the Dodgers fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 9-6 on September 26, 2023, raising urgent concerns about their pitching depth as they approach the postseason.
Ohtani dazzled with a mere 68 pitches, striking out five while allowing only one baserunner through the first five innings. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to pull Ohtani before the sixth, prioritizing his health and future contributions. “He’s too important,” Roberts stated, emphasizing the need to protect Ohtani’s arm after his recent return from elbow surgery.
As Ohtani watched from the dugout, rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski inherited a 4-0 lead but quickly faltered, allowing the Phillies to rally with a series of hits, culminating in a three-run homer by backup catcher Rafael Marchan. The Dodgers, who are clinging to a slim two-game lead in the NL West, faced a chorus of boos from the crowd of 44,063 fans at Dodger Stadium as the game slipped away.
Ohtani’s eighth-inning home run brought the crowd back to life, making him the first player since Alex Rodriguez in 2002 to hit 50 home runs in consecutive seasons. Yet, his solo shot wasn’t enough to secure a win, as the Dodgers’ struggles continued into the ninth inning. Veteran reliever Blake Treinen surrendered a game-winning three-run homer, sealing the Dodgers’ fate in a game that saw their bullpen falter once again.
The results raise critical questions about the Dodgers’ pitching strategy as they head toward the playoffs. “Sometimes there’s no words, no reasons to describe it,” Treinen lamented. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering how the Dodgers will address these bullpen issues in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Roberts confirmed that Ohtani’s usage would remain cautious. “If there’s conversations of the powers that be, and Shohei included… that’s a different conversation,” he explained. For now, the Dodgers must regroup quickly as they face mounting pressure to solidify their postseason positioning, with Ohtani playing a pivotal role in their plans.
As the baseball world watches closely, the Dodgers’ next move will be critical in determining their playoff fate.
