The Dodgers' pitcher lineup needs to be upgraded to face a critical test in the next four weeks

With a 5-2 loss to the Mets on Saturday, Dodgers' three-game draw at Citi Field was temporarily tied 1-1. Over the next four weeks, the National League powerhouse will face eight teams with more than half of the winning percentages, and head coach Dave Roberts said bluntly before the game: "The pitchers need to work more closely together, especially the starters have to eat more innings, and the line and defense need to continue the current state." "

After running out of the cowpen in Friday's 13-inning rain game, Tony Gonsolin conceded four points on just five innings on Saturday, forcing the team to use Rookie Bobby Miller, who had just been recalled from triple-A Oklahoma City, to relay two innings. The Dodgers' starting rotation is currently at the bottom of the major leagues with 237.1 innings, while the Bullpen tops the list with 227.2 innings, and this imbalance was particularly evident on Saturday, when Gonsolin was beaten by Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte in four innings and left the game with 88 goals after a full-run run in five innings.

"Yesterday it was a lot of 13 games, but luckily we won," Gonsolin said, "and today I gave everything but I was able to contribute five games. Roberts explained the decision to switch: "Considering that the opponent's line is about to be the turn of the core hitter, it would be safer to have Anthony Banda take over. This caution reflects a crisis of confidence in the coaching staff, with the Dodgers starting 59.6 percent of the first goals being played a good percentage lower than the league average of 61.4 percent, and "the number of goals used in a single inning of more than 30 goals is not sustainable, and efficiency must be improved from the first shot." "

In terms of roster changes, the Dodgers chose to release Matt Sauer, who has recently fought many long innings, and used Miller to fill the bullshed. The right-hand shooter made his first major league backup on Saturday and conceded one point in two innings. Roberts admits that the balancing act is difficult: "When the game gets out of suspense early, there is no point in using key bullpen pitchers. Clayton Kershaw's exit due to rain on Friday was a force majeure due to just two innings, but more often than not, inefficient starters became the sticking point.

With the next four weeks against the Phillies and Yankees, the Dodgers' pitcher acumen will face the ultimate test. Roberts concluded: "This schedule doesn't determine the whole season, but it is a test of the team's true quality. We have to prove that we deserve to be in contention. "