The Los Angeles Dodgers, on paper, are arguably one of the best teams in Major League Baseball history. Entering the year, many thought the Dodgers were going to walk away with another World Series ring.
Some also don't want to hear about the Dodgers' injuries, as they've spent more than enough money for others to step up in the absence of key players.
However, the Dodgers are facing other issues, and that's their bullpen. The Dodgers' bullpen has been brutal for much of the year, blowing games at a ridiculous level.
Dodgers willing to make major decision
That was the case once again on Wednesday night, when left-hander Alex Vesia allowed three earned runs in the eighth inning. Los Angeles was lucky to come away with a win. It clinched the National League West on Thursday, with the bullpen not allowing a run.
For Los Angeles, however, it didn't expect to just come into the season and win games. It was expected to come in and do whatever it took to win a World Series.
With the bullpen throwing the baseball as poorly as it has, Dave Roberts is starting to save what many fans are feeling.
"When you’re out on the mound, you’re the guy on the mound with the ball," Roberts said, per the Orange County Register. "You’ve got to find a way to have that conviction within yourself each time. I can continue to support them but I’ve got to find some guys that are going to pitch with conviction and go out there and compete and bet on those guys.
“Our starters can’t go nine every night. We’re looking for some guys to step up. We need it. We need these guys.”
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The unfortunate part of this situation is that while the Dodgers can get creative in the playoffs, there isn't much they can do.
The trade deadline is over and there isn't a realistic option to call multiple players up, so it'll have to be an all-hands-on-deck type of thing, even if that means guys like Clayton Kershaw throw out of the bullpen in the postseason.