Dodgers News: LA Reliever Sees Big Picture with Club's Bullpen Management
For the past month, Dodger fans had a roller coaster of an experience, but as we reach closer to the end of June, the light is starting to appear out of the baseball tunnel.
Without a doubt, the Dodgers bullpen had the toughest time in June, suffering through multiple blown saves and leads.
Despite their lack of results, players like Evan Phillips see the big picture that Dodgers Manager, Dave Roberts, has painted for the Boys in Blue.
"The way our management cares about the bullpen and manages the bullpen, it's really commendable."
Via AM 570 LA Sports Radio
The way that Roberts has utilized "Bullpen games" as a tactical strategy is a bit of a gamble to make, especially during the heart of the MLB season. But in the interview, Phillips talks about the motive behind these kind of games.
"I think the Dodgers understand that they want us for the postseason, they want us for those last outs of the World Series and it's not necessarily as valuable to burn us in May, June, July. So they're trying to just manage it when they can."
Sitting at three games behind NL West leaders, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers have had about 7 bullpen games, with the bullpen only winning less than half of those games.
Injuries have affected the Dodgers heavily this summer, but that shouldn't be an excuse either. If the Dodgers want to be a championship ball club, whichever reliever steps on the mound needs to get the job done.
There will definitely be times when they have to ride us and we'll be ready for that. But I think just the overall long term outlook is very beneficial for our bullpen."
