The Dodgers are making some serious moves to kick off the NLDS, starting left-handed pitchers Tarik Skubal on Saturday and Blake Snell on Sunday against a Braves lineup that really struggled against southpaws all season. But that strategy also meant some incredibly tough calls for the bullpen, paring it down to just three lefties: Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and trade deadline pickup Kris Bubic. That’s a huge shift, and it left some big names surprisingly off the roster.
Dodgers Depth Is Wild, And Some Guys Are Feeling It
Talk about a loaded pitching staff! Justin Wrobleski, who was an All-Star starter this year before shifting to relief, got left off the NLDS roster. So did Jack Dreyer, a dude who was a regular contributor in last year’s postseason as a rookie and racked up 67 appearances, good for third on the team despite an IL stint. You gotta feel for those guys, right? It just shows how stacked this Dodgers team is. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman didn’t mince words, saying, “I feel like this is the best and deepest pitching staff we’ve ever had going into October.” He admitted those were some “tough conversations” to leave off “really talented pitchers,” which just screams to the “depth and volume” they’re working with.
Sheehan’s Ready And Waiting For His October Moment
One of those “really talented pitchers” who could make a difference later on is Emmet Sheehan, who’s currently stretching out with a simulated game during Friday’s workout at Dodger Stadium. Sheehan got optioned to the minors back on September 21, which means he’s stuck in limbo until October 6, when his 15 days on optional assignment are finally up. What a spot to be in! But you know he’s putting in the work. He’s been absolutely lights out since August 12, across four Triple-A appearances and three games with the Dodgers, rocking a ridiculous 0.91 ERA and a 36.7 percent strikeout rate over 39 2/3 innings. Sheehan himself is just focused on staying ready: “Just trying to stay ready as best as possible. I don’t know what the plan would be for how long I would have to be ready to pitch or what, so I’m just ready for whatever they need me to do.” He added, “I feel really good with where I’m at, and feel like I’ve been able to keep routine.” That’s the mindset you want from a guy waiting for his call-up.
Treinen’s Shoulder Isn’t Giving Up Without A Fight
Then there’s the Blake Treinen situation, which had everyone holding their breath. The veteran right-hander was placed on the injured list on the last day of the regular season, September 27, with right shoulder inflammation. Initially, everyone feared it was season-ending, but now there’s “at least a chance” he could be ready for later in October. Friedman confirmed it’s “not decided firmly” for this round, but they’re “keep monitoring it as we go.” It’s “shoulder soreness,” and the good news is, it’s “not surgical, but shoulder stuff.” Treinen’s 15 days on the IL clock is ticking, and having him back for a deeper run would be huge.
So, the Dodgers are making big, strategic pitching decisions to start the NLDS, banking on their southpaws and a deep, if controversial, bullpen roster. With guys like Sheehan chomping at the bit and Treinen potentially returning later in the month, this October is just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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