Dodgers’ bullpen failures fuel freefall with no end in sight

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team many thought could win 120 games this season, now trail the San Diego Padres in the NL West. What was supposed to be another dominant year has turned into a tense, unpredictable race.

The culprit? An unreliable bullpen. Stars have returned from injury, the offense has started to click, but late-game collapses just won’t stop haunting them.

Dodgers’ Bullpen Woes Derailing a Championship-Caliber Roster

Fans and analysts have pointed to the bullpen as the team’s biggest weakness for months. The trade deadline passed, and the Dodgers didn’t really bring in much help.

In the last seven games, Dodgers relievers have blown leads in four. That’s been a huge factor in their recent slide behind the Padres.

Missed Opportunities at the Trade Deadline

The Padres went out and grabbed hard-throwing closer Mason Miller. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ moves felt pretty underwhelming.

President Andrew Friedman says bullpen help is coming—Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech—but they’ll probably arrive closer to the playoffs, not during this crucial stretch.

The next ten days could make or break the Dodgers’ season. They’ll face the Padres six times, so every blown lead could decide the division.

The Padres’ Surge Intensifies the Pressure

San Diego’s been red-hot, winning 14 of their last 17 games. Their new-look bullpen shuts things down late, which is the opposite of what’s happening in Los Angeles.

The momentum has shifted, and it’s clearly going the Padres’ way.

Offense Strengthening, But Wins Slipping Away

Mookie Betts and the Dodgers’ offense have turned things up lately, putting up numbers that should be enough to win. But too often, the bullpen gives it all back.

The recent loss to the Angels stung—Shohei Ohtani left with a lead, and then Justin Wrobleski and Edgardo Henriquez let it slip away. That one hurt.

It’s extra frustrating with starters like Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell back in the mix. They’ve given the rotation a boost, but the bullpen just can’t seal the deal.

Injuries and Decline Among Key Relievers

Bullpen struggles aren’t just about talent. Injuries and slumps have made things worse.

Blake Treinen, once a late-inning anchor, is still fighting his way back and hasn’t looked like his old self. The whole pitching staff seems a bit shaky, and each loss adds more pressure.

Manager Dave Roberts’ Growing Concerns

Manager Dave Roberts usually stays cool, but even he’s admitted this situation feels “unfamiliar and troubling.” For a team built to chase a World Series, it’s tough to watch them get tripped up by one constant problem.

The Road Ahead: Crucial Games and Looming Roster Moves

The Padres have grabbed control of the NL West standings. Now, the Dodgers face a tense two-week stretch that could change everything.

These next head-to-head games might reignite their division hopes. Or, honestly, they could just make the struggles feel permanent.

Reinforcements like Scott, Yates, and Kopech might show up soon to help the bullpen for October. But will Los Angeles still be in a spot to take advantage by then? That’s the real question hanging over this team.

If the Dodgers can patch together their relief pitching — maybe by trusting long relievers more, or even tossing starters into late-inning roles — they’ll stay in the race. But time’s running out, and every game now feels like a playoff fight.

It’s strange for Dodgers fans. This roster has so much offense and rotation talent, but the bullpen just can’t seem to finish games.

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