The Los Angeles Dodgers caused controversy during the second game of their recent series with the San Diego Padres. Utility man Kike Hernandez came in to pitch in a mop-up role in the sixth inning, with the team already trailing by eight runs.
The Dodgers would eventually lose 11-1, but the team’s decision to turn to Hernandez in the sixth inning was met with criticism from former MLB players and other media members. A top MLB analyst explained why the Dodgers will continue using this controversial strategy.
Brian Kenny Says Dodgers’ Extreme Bullpen Strategy Works
MLB Network analyst Brian Kenny discussed the controversy surrounding the Dodgers using Hernandez to pitch in the sixth inning. He explained how manager Dave Roberts is simply trying to maximize his resources.
Kenny pointed out that the team endured some shaky moments during last year’s postseason, but we won the World Series partly because they kept their top relievers fresh and used them almost exclusively in the biggest moments.
The Dodgers went to Kiké Hernández on the mound on Tuesday, continuing a recent strategy of conserving resources when losses are imminent.
BK digs in on Los Angeles’ thought process and how they play the win probability odds ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/H0wR0Cxh9w
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) June 12, 2025
Roberts tries to avoid using bullpen resources in ways that could cost the team future games. The Dodgers have mastered the art of taking short-term beatings to keep their best bullpen arms from getting worn out.
However, Kenny pointed out that the criticism is becoming louder to the point that MLB may eventually step in and change the rules so the Dodgers won’t be able to avoid using their high-leverage arms in blowouts so easily.
Even Roberts was frustrated at using Hernandez for multiple innings of relief, but expressed that he was doing what he thought was best for the Dodgers long term, as he could get some of his top relievers extra rest.
The strategy was successful once again, as the Dodgers won the final game of the series against the Padres 5-2. They were able to use their top relief arms, including Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech, to secure the win. The Dodgers are now two games ahead of the Padres in the National League West standings.
Manny Machado bailed the Dodgers out by swinging 3-0 with the bases loaded and two outs.
But major credit to Anthony Banda for getting out of the bases loaded, one-out jam.
And to Mookie Betts for making a tough defensive play at shortstop look easy.
Dodgers lead Padres, 4-2. pic.twitter.com/8GjXiZnkGY
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 11, 2025
The Dodgers will continue to utilize their plus-game bullpen strategy, where they’ll use their best relievers when they are ahead and likely throw in the towel if they are losing by a significant margin. While Kenny mentions MLB potentially stepping in, it’s fair to wonder if other teams may try to attempt their own version of a plus bullpen strategy to maximize their top bullpen weapons as well.