What is a bullpen game in MLB? Pitching strategy explained

We’re at the end of the season. Tonight could be the last game of the World Series if the Dodgers continue to dominate the Yankees. The Dodgers built a solid team for 2024 with excellent hitters, fielders and pitchers. Unfortunately for LA, several of those throwers are starters, who are on injured reserve for the postseason.

Tyler Glasnow was sidelined in August due to elbow inflammation. The star pitcher won’t be able to take the mound until 2025 as he tries to recover. Another big-time starting pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, is on the bench as well and has been seen cheering on his teammates in the postseason. The veteran southpaw has been out since August, when he was placed on the injured list with a bone spur in his left big toe.

Game 1 starting pitcher Jack Flaherty exited in the sixth inning with tightness in his hamstring, which is even more motivation for LA to get it done tonight and sweep the Yankees. The Dodgers organization isn’t concerned about Flaherty’s injury, but they are running out of starting pitchers.

What is a bullpen game?

It’s just what it sounds like. The Dodgers have to use their relievers in game four to try to shut down the Yankees’ lineup without one of their starting pitchers. The Dodgers have named Ben Casparius as the starter for game 4, but we can expect to see five, six or more pitchers tonight against the Yankees. Expect to see at some Blake Treinen, Brent Honeywell and Ryan Brasier on the hill for the Dodgers as manager Dave Roberts will be busy making decisions along with his pitching coach Mark Prior.

If the Dodgers’ bullpen doesn’t get it done tonight and the Yankees manage to take the series to game 5, we can expect to see Jack Flaherty on the mound on Wednesday if he’s recovered from his injury. The rotation will then be Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler if they go back to Los Angeles for games 6 and 7.