Full Breakdown
Dodgers' Bullpen Collapse Spoils Ohtani's Strong Start Against Diamondbacks
9/24/2025, 1:30:10 PM
Ohtani's Impressive Performance
On September 23, 2025, Shohei Ohtani delivered a standout performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking his 100th career pitching start. Ohtani pitched six scoreless innings, striking out eight batters while allowing five hits, all singles, and no walks. This outing was significant as it was his longest since returning from elbow surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. Ohtani's fastball reached a season-high velocity of 101.2 mph, showcasing his elite pitching capabilities as the postseason approaches. He finished the regular season with a 2.87 ERA over 15 starts.
The Bullpen's Downfall
Despite Ohtani's stellar performance, the Dodgers suffered a 5-4 loss due to a catastrophic collapse by their bullpen. The Dodgers held a 4-0 lead when Ohtani exited the game, but the bullpen allowed the Diamondbacks to rally in the later innings. Rookie relievers Jack Dreyer and Edgardo Henriquez combined to give up three runs in the seventh inning, narrowing the lead to 4-3. Closer Tanner Scott then entered the game in the ninth, where he hit the first batter and walked the next, leading to a tying sacrifice fly and a walk-off single by Geraldo Perdomo.
Impact on the Dodgers' Playoff Prospects
This loss was particularly damaging for the Dodgers, as it reduced their lead in the National League West to just 1.5 games over the San Diego Padres, with their magic number to clinch the division remaining at three. Manager Dave Roberts expressed frustration over the bullpen's inability to secure wins, stating, “It’s hard to absorb those games, especially games that we need to win right now.” The Dodgers have now experienced 11 walk-off defeats this season, with the bullpen being a recurring issue.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Roberts acknowledged the need for the bullpen to step up, emphasizing that the starters cannot be expected to pitch complete games every night. He noted, “We’re looking for some guys to step up.” Tanner Scott, who suffered his 10th blown save of the season, took responsibility for the loss, saying, “For that to happen, it sucks. We should have won the game. It’s my fault.”
What's Next for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers prepare for the postseason, they face critical decisions regarding their pitching rotation. Ohtani is expected to start in the wild-card round, which begins next week. The team is also set to activate rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki, who is returning from a shoulder injury, potentially providing much-needed support for the beleaguered bullpen. The Dodgers must address their bullpen issues quickly to ensure a successful playoff run, as they cannot afford further collapses in high-stakes games.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Ohtani's performance has been widely praised, the ongoing struggles of the Dodgers' bullpen have raised concerns about the team's overall readiness for the playoffs. The effectiveness of the bullpen remains a critical issue, with reports indicating that in eight of the team's ten losses in September, a reliever was credited as the losing pitcher. As the Dodgers look to solidify their playoff strategy, the balance between Ohtani's dual role as a pitcher and designated hitter will be closely monitored.
