The Dodgers will have to deploy a bullpen game for Game 6 of the 2024 NLCS against the Mets at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night. Los Angeles will turn to relievers like Ryan Brasier, Michael Kopech, Anthony Banda, Blake Treinen, and Daniel Hudson to aid the Dodgers in earning the final win to reach the World Series.
The Dodgers couldn’t get the job done in Game 5 of the NLCS, which will bring the series back to Chavez Ravine.
The good news is that the entire bullpen is rested and ready to go. The Dodgers bullpen in Game 6 of the NLCS will try to replicate their lights out performance in Game 4 of the NLDS.
Against the Padres, the bullpen held San Diego to nine scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 8-0 victory. It was the perfect bullpen game.
The only reliever that won’t be available for the Dodgers this time around is Alex Vesia, who sustained a rib-cage injury in the final game of the NLDS. However, the reliever remains hopeful he will be available for the World Series if the Dodgers advance. Brent Honeywell, who pitched 4.2 innings on Friday, is unlikely to be available for Sunday’s game, too.
Jack Flaherty ended his Game 5 start after three innings. He allowed eight runs, eight hits, four walks, and had no strikeouts. His performance in Games 1 and 5 were practically night and day.
In Game 1 of the NLCS, Flaherty pitched seven scoreless innings. It was the first time since Clayton Kershaw in 2020 that a Dodgers starting pitcher went that deep into a game.
To the Dodgers’ dismay, Flaherty didn’t have it Friday night at Citi Field. He allowed the third-most runs of his MLB career in Game 5.
The Dodgers hope to wrap up their matchup with the Mets Sunday night. That won’t be able to happen unless the bullpen comes through.
Relievers will be tasked with earning 27 outs to help the Dodgers advance to their first World Series since 2020. If the Dodgers don’t win game 6, Walker Buehler or Yoshinobu Yamamoto will have to pitch on short rest in a Game 7.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
