Dodgers writer flames manager Dave Roberts' 'idiotic' Clayton Kershaw decision vs. Phillies

Hunter Cookston

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Dodgers writer flames manager Dave Roberts' 'idiotic' Clayton Kershaw decision vs. Phillies image

The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced one major concern heading into the postseason for quite some time now: their bullpen. It wasn’t particularly impressive toward the end of the regular season, and at one point, there seemed to be no hope of turning things around.

“What happened was the Dodgers’ belief in the recovering health of their bullpen. And, um, yeah, unless you want to bring Bobby Miller up from Oklahoma City to close games (not a bad idea, eh?), it’s not getting fixed anytime soon,” wrote the Los Angeles Times’ Bill Plaschke.

While the Dodgers have struggled in the 8th inning throughout the postseason, those issues often came when they held comfortable leads, minimizing the impact. However, it was the 8th inning that ultimately decided Wednesday's game.

“Kershaw returned for the eighth inning, but that is where the game officially got out of hand for LA. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto hit a solo shot on the second pitch he saw. After a walk and an error from Max Muncy, former Dodger Trea Turner would score two runs off a single, increasing the lead to 6-1. Immediately after, Schwarber hit a home run on the first pitch Kershaw offered him, pushing his Phillies up 8-1,” wrote SI’s Gabe Smallson.

Manager Dave Roberts faced criticism for not going all-in and seemingly waving the white flag by sending Kershaw back out.

“Just unf***ing believable. You have five arms in the bullpen. FIVE. It's a two run game.... I don't care the offense hasn't done anything it's a two run game. Sending Kershaw out there was a f***ing idiotic fu**ing decision. Holy f**k,” Dodgers writer Blake Harris posted.

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The good news for the Dodgers is they have another opportunity on Thursday, with a rested bullpen. The bad news: the Phillies have regained their confidence, and Roberts missed a chance to capitalize on his available arms.

Roberts played it conservatively by sending Kershaw out for another inning. Despite Kershaw’s checkered postseason history, Roberts showed he still has complete faith in his longtime ace.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.