Dodgers vs. Mets: NLCS Bullpen Game

Unconventional Tactics: Dodgers and Mets in Game 6 of the National League Playoff Series

New York Yankees secured their spot in the World Series on Saturday night with a win over Cleveland Guardians in the American League playoff series. On the other hand, have Los Angeles Dodgers has a chance to win the National League title and qualify for the World Series on Sunday night. However, their success depends on winning the bullpen game against New York Mets.

The bullpen game is a tactical move that differs from traditional pitching rotations.

Instead of relying on a starting pitcher who is expected to pitch five or six innings, Dodgers will alternate between different reliever pitchers. Unless the game turns into a rout (which is unlikely given the dynamics of the NL series this year), Dodgersmost likely, won’t see a pitcher who pitches three full innings.

The reason for this approach lies in the lack of Dodgers several key starting pitchers, including Tyler Glassnow, Clayton Kershaw and Gavin Stone. But even if Glassnow or Kershaw were available, Dodgers may still prefer this strategy.

It’s worth noting that a few years ago, a representative from another baseball team floated the idea that the future might not include traditional starting pitchers. At the time, this idea seemed fantastic and was not used, but now it is gaining popularity in the playoffs.

Three Key Points to Watch Before Game 6 of the National League Playoff Series

1. Reliever pitchers spent more time on the field than starting pitchers. By the start of Game 6 of the NL series, relievers had pitched 333 1/3 innings and starting pitchers had pitched 320 innings. That trend continued into 2021, with relievers pitching 55.1% of playoff innings.
2. This will be the Dodgers’ third bullpen game this month. The team has already used Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jack Flaherty three times and Walker Buehler twice. Veteran reliever Ryan Brassier started the other games.
3. The Dodgers aren’t the only team actively using the bullpen. The Mets and Cleveland Guards are even ahead of them in this metric. The Guardians lead the way, having pitched 53 bullpen innings in 10 games under new manager Steven Vogt.

Modern baseball is increasingly reliant on the bullpen, a trend that looks set to only increase.

Read also: