In a World Series filled with twists and turns, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a startling decision in Game 4 against the New York Yankees. With their pitching staff depleted from the previous night’s grueling battle, manager Dave Roberts chose to essentially concede the game, opting to save his best arms for a potential championship-clinching Game 5.
A Risky Gambit
Roberts’ unconventional strategy raised eyebrows across the baseball world. The Dodgers found themselves down 5-2 in the third inning, a deficit that seemed surmountable given their potent offense. However, rather than unleashing his top relievers to keep the game close, Roberts handed the ball to the unheralded duo of Ben Casparius and Landon Knack.
The move was a calculated risk, one that acknowledged the toll Game 3’s marathon had taken on the bullpen. Blake Treinen, the Dodgers’ relief ace, warmed up but never entered the fray. As Roberts explained after the game:
“It’s challenging. You’ve got to be certain that you can score some runs. Certainly any guy we use tonight would have not been able to pitch tomorrow.”
Preserving the Bullpen
The decision to punt Game 4 was not made lightly. The Dodgers found themselves tantalizingly close to their first World Series title since 2020, needing just one more win to cement their legacy. However, Roberts and the front office recognized that burning through their best relievers in a game they were unlikely to win would jeopardize their chances in the games to come.
By handing the ball to Casparius and Knack, the Dodgers conceded some runs but kept the deficit manageable. When the eighth inning arrived with the score 6-4, Roberts resisted the temptation to go all-in, instead turning to Brent Honeywell Jr., a long reliever better suited for mop-up duty than high-leverage situations.
The gamble, of course, did not pay off in Game 4. Honeywell surrendered five runs, turning a close contest into a Yankees rout. The Bronx Bombers seized the momentum, staving off elimination and forcing the series back to Los Angeles.
Eyes on the Prize
For the Dodgers, however, the focus remains squarely on the ultimate goal: winning the World Series. By preserving their best pitchers, they’ve set themselves up for a potential Game 5 clincher. Jack Flaherty, four days removed from his last start, will take the ball against Yankees ace Gerrit Cole.
More importantly, the Dodgers will have a fully rested bullpen at their disposal. Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia, and the rest of the relief corps will be ready to go, with workhorse Treinen capable of providing multiple innings if needed.
It’s a calculated gamble, one that could backfire if the Yankees ride the momentum of their Game 4 victory to a stunning comeback. However, for a Dodgers team that has been here before, the long view takes precedence over any single game.
A Championship Mindset
The Dodgers’ decision to punt Game 4 is a testament to their championship pedigree. This is a team that understands the marathon nature of the postseason, one that recognizes the importance of having fresh arms available in the most crucial moments.
It’s a mindset that has served them well in recent years, as they’ve become a perennial contender in the National League. The Dodgers have reached the World Series in three of the last four seasons, winning it all in 2020. They know what it takes to win on the biggest stage, and they’re willing to make the tough decisions necessary to put themselves in the best position to succeed.
Of course, the Yankees will have something to say about that. They’re a proud franchise with a championship pedigree of their own, and they’ll be eager to prove that their Game 4 victory was no fluke. Cole, one of the best pitchers in baseball, will take the mound with the season on the line, and the Yankees’ powerful lineup will look to build on the momentum they generated in Game 4.
A Series for the Ages
Regardless of the outcome, this World Series has already proven to be one for the ages. The Dodgers and Yankees, two of baseball’s most storied franchises, have provided fans with a thrilling showcase of the sport at its highest level.
From Freddie Freeman’s record-setting home run streak to the nail-biting finishes of Games 1 and 3, this series has had it all. The Dodgers’ decision to punt Game 4 only adds to the intrigue, setting the stage for a Game 5 that could go down as one of the most memorable in World Series history.
For the Dodgers, the goal remains the same: win one more game and hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy. They’ve put themselves in position to do just that, even if it meant sacrificing a chance at victory in Game 4.
The baseball world will be watching intently as Game 5 unfolds, eager to see if the Dodgers’ gamble pays off or if the Yankees can complete their improbable comeback. One thing is certain: we’re in for a treat as two of the sport’s titans clash with everything on the line.
