Dodgers Bullpen Struggles Deepen Amid Injuries, 11 Losses in 14 Games

The Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen is in crisis, contributing to their 11 losses in the last 14 games, including a recent 10-7 defeat to the Minnesota Twins. Key relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips are currently sidelined with injuries, while rookie Ben Casparius left a game early with a calf cramp, worsening the team's pitching woes. In the loss to the Twins, the bullpen imploded in the sixth and seventh innings, allowing six runs primarily through walks and critical defensive errors, such as Edgardo Henriquez's costly misplay that allowed three runs to score. Manager Dave Roberts expressed hope that the team has hit "rock bottom" and emphasized the urgency of acquiring bullpen help before the trade deadline. Despite Shohei Ohtani's late heroics with a home run in the ninth inning, the damage from bullpen failures was insurmountable, highlighting the need for reinforcements as the Dodgers struggle with depleted pitching resources and inconsistent relief performances. The general manager remains optimistic about the return of some injured relievers but acknowledges the current bullpen situation is untenable.