"The Dodgers have the offensive firepower to compete against anyone and the rotation should be the best in the playoffs, but it'll all come down to the bullpen. The bullpen (and sloppy defense) survived against the Reds, but that won't cut it against a team like the Phillies (or Brewers/Cubs or whoever makes it out of the AL). This feels like it'll be a classic of a series, and let's hope it goes the Dodgers way."
"Essentially, the offense and rotation both need to continue performing how they have against tougher pitching and a more difficult lineup than that of the Reds, while the bullpen needs to figure out how to get some outs. There is no way around the latter part, as the pen covered all of 4.1 innings in the Wild Card series, while allowing five runs and seven walks."
Today's NLDS opens in Philadelphia with the underdog Dodgers facing the second-seeded Phillies. The Dodgers possess strong offensive firepower and a rotation that could be the playoffs' best, but a shaky bullpen and sloppy defense remain major concerns. The bullpen covered only 4.1 innings in the Wild Card series while allowing five runs and seven walks; only one clean inning came from Roki Sasaki. The offense and starters must maintain performance against tougher pitching while the pen learns to get outs. Shohei Ohtani will start Game 1; Tyler Glasnow will be available out of the bullpen and could start Game 4; Cristopher Sánchez will take the mound for Philadelphia.
Read at Dodgers Digest
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