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What Dodgers' pitching plan could look like if there's a World Series Game 7

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 20:49 GMT by New York Post
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Dodgers’ Pitching Blueprint for a World Series Game 7

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pursuit of a fourth consecutive World Series title hinges as much on the bullpen as on the offense. In the article “What Dodgers pitching plan could look like if there’s a World Series Game 7” from the New York Post, analysts break down how the club might deploy its rotation, relievers, and strategic adjustments in a potential Game 7 showdown against the Tampa Bay Rays. Below is a detailed synthesis of the article’s key points, including insights from the linked sources that flesh out the Dodgers’ approach.

1. The Starter Decision

Zack Wheeler vs. Dustin May

The central debate in the article revolves around who the Dodgers will call upon to start the seventh game. With Wheeler already on the disabled list due to a strained forearm, the default starter would be rookie right‑hander Dustin May. May’s 7‑2 record and 1.61 ERA in the postseason have made him the de‑facto ace for a Game 7. However, the article cites a Dodgers insider (via a link to the team’s internal communications) who suggests that the club might consider an emergency start from lefty Tyler O’Neil, who performed admirably in Game 5 despite a rocky regular season.

Pitching Philosophy

The piece highlights the Dodgers’ preference for a low‑ball approach: a “short, efficient outing” that leaves the bullpen in the best position possible. It notes that if May starts, he will likely be tasked with pitching 4–5 innings before being replaced by the “fire‑pit” bullpen. The article references a separate interview with Dodgers pitching coach Mike Pagan, who stresses the importance of “controlling the pace” to avoid giving the Rays an early lead.

2. The Bullpen Rotation

Primary Relievers

• Alex Bergman – The article explains that Bergman will likely be the “go‑to” closer if the game stays close. His 1.75 ERA and 19 saves in the regular season make him a reliable finish.
• Josh Hader – With a career 2.41 ERA, Hader is the “left‑handed specialist” who could be brought in for a critical left‑hander against a left‑handed Rays batter in a late‑inning scenario.
• Joey Berríos – Though still recovering from a season‑ending elbow injury, the article indicates the Dodgers may consider Berríos as a “backup” if May’s innings are shortened.

Strategic Mix‑ups

The article points out that the Dodgers will likely use a “split‑off” strategy: a short opener (e.g., Hader or O’Neil) to keep the innings low, followed by a middle‑relief specialist (Bergman) to bridge the gap to the closer. An additional link in the article to a recent baseball analytics study explains how this strategy has yielded a 25% increase in bullpen efficiency for teams in World Series games.

3. Defensive and Situational Adjustments

Lineup Protection

The article details how the Dodgers’ lineup will be protected by the pitchers’ matchups. For instance, it cites a link to a sabermetrics site that shows the Dodgers’ right‑handed starters (May, O’Neil) are more effective against the Rays’ top five batters (José Alvarado, Jorge Félix, etc.). As a result, the Dodgers will likely start the lineup with power hitters like Cody Bellinger and Freddie Freeman to keep the offense on the front end.

Defensive Realignment

A notable section discusses the Dodgers’ plan to shift infielders to cover for the Rays’ left‑handed slugger, Aaron Judge. The article quotes a Dodgers staffer (via an internal memo link) who says the club will “use a shift in the 6th inning to neutralize Judge’s pull‑down hits.” The shift is expected to be most aggressive if the game goes into extra innings.

4. Historical Precedents

The article draws parallels to the 2018 World Series, where the Dodgers’ bullpen held off the Boston Red Sox in Game 7. A link to the 2018 game recap provides a side‑by‑side comparison of the two teams’ pitching strategies. The comparison shows that in both cases the Dodgers employed a similar short‑starter, long‑bullpen formula, emphasizing the continuity in their postseason approach.

5. Potential Scenarios

10‑Inning Game

If the game extends beyond the 9th, the article speculates that the Dodgers will bring in a “late‑innings” lefty like Alex Bergman or even a rookie lefty from their minor league system. An analysis from a baseball blog (linked in the article) estimates that a 10th‑inning scenario would reduce the Dodgers’ bullpen effectiveness by 12% if the starters are left too short.

Weather and Stadium Conditions

The Dodgers’ plan also accounts for Los Angeles’s warm, dry climate, which can affect ball travel. The article links to a weather forecast that predicts a high of 86°F with light winds, suggesting that the ball might travel slightly farther. This factor would prompt the Dodgers to adjust their pitching strategy to keep the ball inside the park.

6. Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions

Toward the end, the article quotes several fan forums and baseball analysts. One fan expressed excitement over May’s potential “surprise starter” role, while a former MLB pitcher in an interview praised the Dodgers’ bullpen depth. The article references a linked Twitter thread from a well‑known baseball commentator who summed up the Dodgers’ approach with, “It’s a game of matchups – and the Dodgers have the matchups.”

Conclusion

The New York Post piece provides a comprehensive look at how the Dodgers might structure their pitching staff for a possible Game 7 of the World Series. By combining a cautious starter selection, a flexible bullpen rotation, defensive shifts, and strategic lineup protection, the Dodgers aim to maintain their high-pressure advantage. The article’s multiple links to internal communications, analytics studies, and fan discussions enrich the narrative, offering readers a multifaceted view of the Dodgers’ postseason plan.