With only four starting pitchers in the rotation, the Dodgers have relied heavily on the bullpen. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts constantly made pitching changes to keep their opponents from getting comfortable with one pitcher.
In a win-or-go-home Game 4 of the National League Division Series, the Padres faced eight different pitchers throughout the game. Although the strategy was “annoying” to their opponents, the bullpen saved the Dodgers from elimination and made MLB history. After Game 4, the Dodgers became the first team to throw 15 or more scoreless innings after allowing six or more runs in a single inning of a postseason game.