Dodgers News: Dave Roberts’ Comments Make it Seem Like LA Will Utilize Openers in Postseason

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Due to many concerns and injuries around his pitching staff heading into the 2023 postseason, Dodger manager Dave Roberts may need to get a tad more creative than in recent seasons to get the job done.

Traditionally, a four-man rotation would be ideal for any postseason roster, but due to depth being an issue for Roberts' regular starters, the rotation could include a new strategy that's been popularized in recent years. 

Dave Roberts discusses tonight's pitching plan and a few player updates ahead of Game 2 against the Tigers. pic.twitter.com/MrmiqZE7Ig

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 20, 2023

“Yeah, I think it’s the neutrality,” Roberts said of the most important factor of the opener. “I think it’s also appreciating the fact that you’re going to face the first three or four top hitters of the lineup, that you feel comfortable that you can get through that first inning to give some runway to that next guy.”

via SNLA

Using an opener in Tuesday night's exciting win against the Tigers, Caleb Ferguson took the mound for the first inning before young rookie Ryan Pepiot took the bulk work of six innings in another fantastic outing from him. 

Another pitcher who threw in Tuesday night's game could be used as an opener, according to Roberts, as Brusdar Graterol's stuff has been electric from his bullpen role through all of 2023. 

If the Dodgers want a more traditional starter to possibly go multiple innings, Shelby Miller could take on an opener role for whatever length needed as he's had experience as a front line rotational piece in the past. 

With pitchers like Pepiot and trade acquisition Ryan Yarbrough, bulk work will be important to navigate postseason games given both the health and home run concerns of veteran starters Clayton Kershaw and Lance Lynn, respectively. 

Though Bobby Miller is sure to factor in as a top line ace come October, later postseason games when the rotation gets deeper into these playoff series may look different compared to years past in LA.