The Los Angeles Dodgers invested heavily into their bullpen last offseason, signing Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, who were widely considered the top-two relievers available on the free agent market and across baseball overall. Despite their additions, the bullpen was a major issue for the Dodgers throughout the season, both due to injuries and players underperforming. Scott, Yates, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart and Blake Treinen all missed time due to injuries.
Blake Snell faltered in Game 1, exposing the Dodgers' vulnerable bullpen, which allowed nine runs in a single inning. The Dodgers' World Series hopes rest entirely on their elite rotation because their bullpen cannot survive even one mediocre start by any of their starters. Future starts by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani must reach deep into games to shield a bullpen the team knew was their greatest weakness.
As we've been tracking for a few weeks: The September Dodgers pitching staff did indeed set a new all-time best for "lowest batting average allowed in a month." https://t.co/936p7BwAt1 All the flaws of batting average being noted: that's pretty cool. pic.twitter.com/JcUwGilcwR - Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) September 29, 2025
"Jack's been great," Roberts said. "It's hard to quantify baseball aptitude or heartbeat, but because of his intelligence, his calmness, he's been able to handle whatever role, whatever leverage. "He takes the information, understands what he's trying to do every time he's on the mound. And that's shown itself. He's unflappable. Very, very valuable for our ballclub and the 'pen."
After having his start pushed back due to some back issues, Tyler Glasnow started the game strong by striking out the side in the 1st. The 2nd didn't go as smoothly, as he issued a lead-off walk, which led to a stolen base. A flyball advanced the runner, and a sac fly from Kyle Farmer followed to put the Rockies up 1-0 before Glasnow got his fourth strikeout to end the inning.
