Dodgers News: Phil Bickford Lays it on the Line, Doesn't Think He's the Hero

"I love helping this team win."

Phil Bickford was the hero of the night for the Dodgers in a Monday night marathon. Just don't tell him that. The reliever, pitching for the first time in nearly a week, was unexpectedly called upon to toss 3 innings and throw a career-high 48 pitches in the eventual walk off win for LA.

"I wouldn't say I'm the hero of the game. A lot goes into winning and losing games. When I was out there I was just doing what I could to compete every pitch and give the team an opportunity to do their thing. ... I was just doing my job. ... I love helping this team win."

His job kept things in a spot to eventually allow this to happen.

WALK OFF WALK 🚨‼️

The Twins intentionally walked Max Muncy to load the bases, and Trayce Thompson walks to win it in the 12th!

(via @Dodgers)pic.twitter.com/9fEYxCD3lN

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 16, 2023

Overall, it was an ugly affair for the Dodger bullpen. Six pitchers combined to allow 6 runs, 5 earned after Noah Syndergaard exited in the fourth inning. The later innings were a back-and-forth affair for the Dodgers and Twin, with the lead changing hands a few times before Trayce Thompson's much-needed walk-off walk.

"I can't say enough about Phil," Dave Roberts started. "He gave us as good of an outing from him that you'll ever see. Everyone in that room knows he really cares. He cares more about being a good teammate than being a good baseball player, truth be told. He left it all out there and we need every bit of it."

Bickford will be down for at least a day but "ideally two" as the Dodgers look to bring someone else up for coverage on Tuesday. Whether that comes from another Justin Bruhil option to Triple-A or a phantom injured list stint for a guy like Yency Almonte remains to be seen. Options to join the roster at Andre Jackson, who has been much better since finding his footing at AAA, or Alex Vesia, who's thrown 4 straight scoreless outings. Additionally, the team could recall Wander Suero but only if they go the phantom IL route.