Commentary: No more dead-arm nightmares for Dodgers and their uncomplicated pitching strategy

"The Dodgers abandoned their complicated 2021 pitching strategy, now simply deploying elite starters like Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow and Ohtani in every game throughout October. The results prove the strategy works: the Dodgers have won every postseason game where their starting pitcher reached the sixth inning. Max Scherzer, whose arm gave out in the 2021 Dodgers' postseason run under the old approach, now faces Los Angeles as Toronto's Game 3 starter."

"You may remember his brief tenure with the Dodgers four years ago, which ended with an elimination game in which Scherzer said he could not pitch. The Dodgers lost, the last domino in a cascade triggered by a front office that miscast its humans as widgets in a search for even the tiniest of edges. Don't just take my word for it."

"In the 2024 postseason, and not by choice, the Dodgers ran four bullpen games. There would be a parade. In 2025, the Dodgers are simply throwing out a top-flight starting pitcher in every game. Presumably, there is nothing for the front office to overthink here. Just sit back and enjoy the show - on Saturday, Yoshinobu Yamamoto's second straight complete game show. This must be less stressful, at least."

The Dodgers abandoned the complicated 2021 pitching strategy and now start elite pitchers such as Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow and Ohtani in every October game. The team has won every postseason game in which the starter reached the sixth inning. Max Scherzer, whose arm gave out during the 2021 postseason, will start Game 3 for Toronto against Los Angeles, underscoring past roster-management missteps. Four years earlier the front office used openers and unconventional roles, drawing criticism and poor outcomes. Returning to consistent, top-flight starters has produced dominant outings, complete games and clearer results.

Read at Los Angeles Times