Dodgers Manager Advocates for Traditional Extra-Inning Rules in Postseason
LOS ANGELES — Following a marathon 18-inning Game 3 of the World Series, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his support for maintaining traditional extra-inning rules during the playoffs. His sentiments come after a lengthy battle that showcased the endurance and strategic depth of postseason baseball.
The Marathon Game: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays
The matchup between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays stretched into the early morning, culminating in a thrilling 6-5 Dodgers victory thanks to a homer by Freddie Freeman. This match tied for the longest game in World Series history, reminiscent of the Dodgers’ 18-inning clash with the Red Sox in 2018.
- Key Moment: Freeman’s homer in the 18th inning secured the victory.
“It’s baseball in its truest form, and part of winning a seven-game series is if there are games like that, you have to go through the battle of attrition with pitching,” Roberts stated. He believes the current structure favors both postseason excitement and regular-season fluidity.
Why Traditional Rules Matter
The discussion around extra-inning rules gained traction after the introduction of the automatic runner at second base during the regular season. While Roberts acknowledged this as a potential strategy, particularly in tight late-game situations, he emphasizes that returning to traditional rules encourages deeper strategic play.
Strategic Moves in the Bullpen
In his post-game analysis, Roberts revealed his bullpen strategy for the extended game. He utilized a total of 10 pitchers, including Will Klein, who provided a critical fourth inning of scoreless relief.
- Next in Line:
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Scheduled to pitch if the game extended to the 19th inning, despite having pitched a complete game just two days prior.
- Miguel Rojas: An infielder considered as an emergency option if needed.
Roberts also mentioned that starting pitcher Blake Snell had thrown a pregame bullpen session, signaling that he wouldn’t be a primary option at that moment.
Blue Jays Injury Update
On the Blue Jays’ side, George Springer was deemed "hour to hour" after experiencing side discomfort. Manager John Schneider confirmed that while Springer missed the game, he still viewed the player as a vital asset for crucial moments down the line.
- Bo Bichette’s Contribution: Filling in for Springer, Bichette achieved a key RBI single during the seventh inning, helping the Blue Jays on their way to a 6-2 victory in the subsequent Game 4.
The Importance of Player Availability
Springer’s potential return was a point of emphasis for Schneider. "He plays for moments like this. Whenever this season is over, you guys will be surprised to see how much he has grinded physically. If he’s good to go in any way, shape, or form, I want George," Schneider remarked.
Looking Ahead
As the teams continue to battle in the World Series, the ongoing discussions about extra-inning rules and player strategies will shape both team tactics and fan engagement.
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By adhering to traditional rules and focusing on strategic player management, both the Dodgers and the Blue Jays continue to exhibit what makes baseball thrilling. The evolving narrative will be closely watched as the World Series unfolds.
