The Los Angeles narrowly escaped Game 2 of the NLDS with a win over the Philadelphia Phillies, but it wasn’t without some drama from the bullpen (which is unfortunately to be expected at this point in the season).
The took a four-run lead into the seventh inning, and after Emmett Sheehan pitched two innings and allowed a run, manager Dave Roberts had to make a decision about who would trot out of the bullpen for the final three outs of the game.
Roberts inserted right-hander Blake Treinen into the game after Roki Sasaki warmed up in the seventh inning and had not allowed an earned run in the last four innings of regular season and postseason play as a reliever to that point.
Through September, Treinen posted a 9.64 ERA, but allowed just one hit in 1.1 innings pitched in the wild card round.
More news: ‘ Dave Roberts provides update on Miguel Rojas’ injury status after being ejected in Game 2
Treinen ended up allowing two earned runs on three hits, but was scoreless in the ninth inning.
Alex Bashear then entered the game and collected two outs, forcing Roberts to go to Sasaki to end the game.
MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa claimed that Roberts “completely understands” the move to insert Treinen into the game because he needs to “expand his circle of trust” with the bullpen.
DeRosa went on to explain how talented Treinen has been in the past and that because of this fact, he should be trusted in this moment. Last season, Treinen was one of the Penn’s most productive arms, posting a 1.93 ERA during the regular season and a 2.19 ERA through October.
Relief pitching in Los Angeles certainly confirms the selective trust from Roberts recently, but considering the circumstances it probably would have been less stressful to select a sure-fire closer from the get-go than to work to restore that deteriorating trust.
More news: ‘ Mookie Betts calls Dave Roberts arguably the best manager of all time
Photo by Robert Hanahiro-USA TODAY Sports
Have you downloaded the new Nation app yet? Click here for Apple users and Click here for Android users It’s part of a redesigned app that gives fans everything they need in one placee. Don’t miss it Live GameCast with play-by-play, news and analysis, Nation podcasts and videos, all the stats you need, and more.