Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025
On an overcast Wednesday afternoon at Progressive Field, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the Cleveland Guardians 7-to-4. Clayton Kershaw was good for five innings, allowing a mere run. Lou Trivino pitched well for 1.2 innings, and Dave Roberts, who doesn’t have many choices in relievers with Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen on the IL, turned to Tanner Scott, who allowed four runs. While the Dodgers’ offense could have produced more, it was adequate for a win.
The Dodgers are in the middle of a long stretch when they face many teams with winning records. They can’t expect their hitters to produce at least eight runs a game to get a win. Yes, the Dodgers have a whole pitching staff on the IL, but Andrew Friedman planned for this scenario during the offseason.
In the past, Kershaw would have gone into the seventh inning, but at 37, coming off toe and knee surgeries, he did his job. Roberts made the correct decision to pull Kershaw. He wanted his 18-year veteran to feel good about his performance. The newcomer Trivino did his job.
Yes, Scott isn’t accustomed to coming in the seventh inning, but with the Dodgers, relievers learn to be ready whenever Roberts calls on them. During his time with the Dodgers, after he signed a four-year $72 million contract with the Dodgers. Since becoming a Dodger, Scott has blown five saves. Roberts can’t take a break from using Scott until Phillips, Treinen, and Kirby Yates return from the IL.
While Alex Vesia threw the pitch that gave up the three-run homer, he didn’t cause the loss. Vesia is coming off an oblique injury that prevented him from performing in the NLCS against the New York Mets. He isn’t having the same kind of season as he did in 2024, but Vesia is a better second half pitcher traditionally.
