Dodgers Fall to Blue Jays in Game 4, Bullpen and Offense Struggle
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday, exposing familiar vulnerabilities in thier bullpen and at the plate. The Dodgers managed to score only two runs while surrendering four, continuing a concerning trend in the postseason.
Unlike Monday’s 18-inning victory, where the bullpen allowed just one run in 13.1 innings, relief pitching faltered with Anthony Banda and Blake Treinen each giving up two runs - plus inheriting two more – in a single inning.
The Dodgers’ offense continues to struggle, going 2 for 19 with runners in scoring position between Games 3 and 4, bringing their postseason average in those situations to .210.
“We haven’t found our rhythm,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, hinting at potential lineup changes for Wednesday’s game.These could include miguel Rojas at second base and Tommy edman in center field, possibly replacing Andy Pagés, who is hitting.080 this postseason after going 0 for 2 on tuesday. “It seems to die in certain parts of the lineup in different innings, different games. guys are competing, but yes, my hope is that we come back (Wednesday) and take advantage of the facts we have on (Trey) Yesavage (Blue Jays starter for Game 5, against Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell).”
Shohei Ohtani, who extended his world Series record to 11 consecutive times on base with a first-inning walk, acknowledged the challenge.”We’re facing quality arms this time of year against very good teams. So, I think it’s not that easy.But simultaneously occurring, we could do at least the bare minimum to be able to score some runs.”
The Dodgers’ intermediate relief also proved problematic. While Edgardo Henríquez and Will Klein combined for 6.0 scoreless innings in Monday’s win, Banda (10.38 ERA in this postseason) and Treinen (8.31) struggled, a reversal from their effectiveness during the team’s 2024 World Series run. The Dodgers’ bullpen now has a collective 4.60 ERA in these playoffs/World Series.
“I think you have to execute the pitches,” Treinen said. “We have game plans. The biggest thing is to win the next one. Obviously, we all want to win a World Series, but it all starts one game at a time.”
