The Inevitable Decision: Finding a Spot for a Star in the Dodgers’ Bullpen

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a franchise defined by its relentless pursuit of championships, have a problem that most teams in baseball would envy: too much starting pitching talent. With a rotation that features names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and the legendary Clayton Kershaw, and with Shohei Ohtani ramping up his workload, the team has a surplus of high-end arms. But in the postseason, where every pitch is magnified and every inning is a battle, a strong bullpen is often the key to winning a title. The Dodgers, recognizing this reality, are faced with a crucial decision: moving one of their starting pitchers to the bullpen to bolster their relief corps.

The idea of moving a starting pitcher to the bullpen is not a new concept, but for a team with as much talent as the Dodgers, it’s a strategic move that could pay huge dividends. A starter, especially one with a strong arm and a deep arsenal of pitches, can be a dominant force in a relief role. They can be used in high-leverage situations, pitch multiple innings, and provide the kind of length that is often missing from a typical bullpen.

One potential candidate for this move is Dustin May. May has been a workhorse for the Dodgers in 2025, but with the return of several key pitchers, the team is facing a numbers problem. His talent is undeniable, but his role on the team may need to change. Moving him to the bullpen would not only give the Dodgers a powerful arm in relief but would also allow them to manage his workload and keep him fresh for the postseason.

Another option is Shohei Ohtani, though with some major caveats. As he works his way back from a major elbow surgery, his workload has been limited. The idea of using him as a high-leverage reliever in the playoffs has been floated by Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. The move would allow the Dodgers to get the most out of his electric arm without overworking him, and it would give them a weapon out of the bullpen that few teams can match. However, it’s a complicated decision, as it would mean sacrificing his bat for a period of the game, a tough choice given his historic offensive production.

Other pitchers, like Landon Knack and Bobby Miller, who have experience as starters and are already being considered for bullpen roles, could also be valuable assets. Knack, in particular, has already been used in a “long-man” capacity, and his ability to go multiple innings could be crucial in a postseason game. The move for any of these pitchers to the bullpen is not a demotion; it’s a strategic choice, a way of leveraging the team’s depth to create a powerful and versatile pitching staff.

The decision to move a starting pitcher to the bullpen is a testament to the Dodgers’ commitment to winning. It’s a recognition that in the modern game, a championship is often won by the team with the strongest and most versatile pitching staff. By making this move, the Dodgers are not just adding another arm to their bullpen; they are creating a new identity, one that is built on depth, versatility, and an unshakeable belief that they have what it takes to win another title.