The 8-0 Game 4 victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night was a masterclass in bullpen usage and management by Dave Roberts.
Now, with a winner-take-all Game 5 set for Friday at Dodger Stadium, Roberts has another tough choice to make — who starts?
The obvious choice would be the bullpen after eight relievers combined for a shutout and the not-so-popular choice is Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Roberts said to reporters on Thursday that Yamamoto will be a part of Game 5, but he hasn’t confirmed how much.
“I haven’t finalized it,” Roberts said. “Obviously I’m sure Yoshinobu will be a part of it. How we will deploy the relievers around it, if that’s the case, I just don’t know.”
Here is why Roberts should start him with a tight leash.
Following a challenging first year, the Dodgers are optimistic that Yamamoto will emerge as a key starter for the team. They have $325 million invested in him and are anxiously awaiting a return on their investment.
Yamamoto wrapped up the regular season with a 7-2 record, posting a 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over 90 innings across 18 starts. He also had a peculiar pattern.
The right-hander began the season against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea, and was shelled for five earned runs on four hits in the first inning. He didn’t return to pitch another inning but his next start against St. Louis was a gem. He didn’t allow a run on two hits while striking out five in five innings.
That pattern followed him around all season. He would have a bad start followed by a solid one.
Take the last two games of the regular season for him, he faced the Colorado Rockies in both. On Sept. 22 he gave up four earned runs runs on five hits, walked three and struck out four in just three innings of work.
A week later, he limited that same offense to two runs on four hits across five innings. He struck out six and didn’t allow a free pass.
Fast forward to the postseason. Game 1 against the Padres was a disaster as he allowed five earned runs on five hits, walked two, and struck out one in three innings. That performance is in line with what he has been doing all season which means he should be better if he gets the start on Friday.
The downside is that the first inning is Yamamoto’s vice. Of the 30 runs he has allowed this season, 18 of them have scored in the first inning which brings me back to the tight leash.
Los Angeles’ bullpen was spectacular and will be ready and available if they are needed. It doesn’t matter what inning.
But don’t be surprised if you see No. 18 penciled in for the start. He’s due for a solid outing and there is no better time than now.
