The Dodgers wrapped up a frustrating weekend in Anaheim with a 6–4 loss to the Angels on Sunday, completing a series sweep that left players and coaches searching for answers. Despite several opportunities and a late offensive push, the story of the series was once again the pitching—specifically, a rotation stretched to its limits and a bullpen asked to do too muc
After the game, manager Dave Roberts was candid about the mounting stress on the pitching staff and the ongoing ripple effects of injuries, underperformance, and tough roster decisions.
Gonsolin Struggles from the Start
Right-hander Tony Gonsolin took the mound Sunday, but it was clear from the outset that he didn’t have his best stuff. “It was a grind from the outset,” Roberts admitted. “The walks, behind in the count—I don’t think he had command of his split.”
Gonsolin battled through four innings, but not without cost. His pitch count soared early, and Roberts acknowledged the team was “fortunate” just to get four innings out of him. Even more concerning, Gonsolin reported a finger issue while warming up—something that may have contributed to his lack of command.
“He came in feeling good,” Roberts said, “and then there was a thing on his finger that kind of surfaced when he was getting loose and that kind of impeded his command.”
That unexpected development put even more pressure on a Dodgers bullpen that had already been leaned on heavily throughout the series.
Unrelenting Bullpen Strain
Roberts didn’t hide his concern when asked how sustainable it is to keep patching together innings from the bullpen night after night. “It’s not sustainable,” he said. “I look at each night and try to figure out who’s available and how to cover the game, protect players—but we need our starters to go deeper.”
Reliever Anthony Banda was called on again and gave the Dodgers two innings, but his inconsistency has raised concerns. “There’s a lot of sinkers that aren’t sinking, they’re not commanded,” Roberts noted. “Velocity’s great, but hitters can time that if it’s not moving. He’s getting into bad counts, not landing his slider—it’s a combination of things.”
Luis García, another key bullpen arm, had to be checked on during the game. Roberts said he didn’t get a clear answer on what was wrong but confirmed García would be unavailable for the next few days after pitching in three straight.
Kirby Yates, previously one of the Dodgers’ most reliable late-inning options, was recently placed on the injured list, further complicating leverage situations. “That’s going to be interesting,” Roberts said. “We’ve got Trivino here, who has handled righties well in his career, but he gave us two innings today and he’ll be down for a couple days.”
Glimmers of Help—but at a Cost
With a starter shortage, the Dodgers considered using Landon Knack in relief Sunday if Gonsolin had exited earlier, a move that would have sacrificed Monday’s starting pitcher. Fortunately, it didn’t come to that, and Knack remains lined up to start the next game. Still, the situation underscores how fragile the rotation has become.
Even potential reinforcements like Michael Kopech are still working their way back. “He threw a pen today,” Roberts said. “Supposed to pitch in a game Tuesday. Came out of it fine.”
But optimism over returns is tempered by the harsh reality of daily roster management. “It’s like whack-a-mole,” Roberts said. “Things keep popping up and we do the best we can to hit them down.”
Post-Taylor and Barnes Era Begins
Sunday’s loss also marked the first series since Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes were designated for assignment—a major shakeup in the clubhouse. While Roberts downplayed any emotional effect on the team’s performance, he acknowledged the gravity of the moves.
“Those two guys were very good Dodgers, very well-liked,” he said. “But I think, to be honest, we just didn’t pitch well this series. I don’t know how much that has to do with moving on from two really good players.”
Roberts reaffirmed that both Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages have earned their opportunities. “Dalton’s earned the opportunity to get some runway, and he’s showing well right now,” he said. “Pages is doing what he’s doing—this is a good opportunity for him too.”
Though the decisions were driven by performance and roster needs, they also reflect the urgency of the Dodgers’ approach. “Obviously we’re in a tight race,” Roberts said. “Some of it is the race. Some of it is continuing to develop young players and give them opportunities—even with a veteran ballclub.”
Injury Scares and Silver Linings
One of the more frightening moments came when Tommy Edman and Andy Pages collided on a defensive play. “I held my breath,” Roberts admitted. “All the word I got was he’s fine, but I definitely held my breath.”
That near-miss served as a metaphor for the broader state of the team—battered but (for now) still standing.
As the Dodgers head into Monday’s game, the hope is that Landon Knack can offer length and give the bullpen a much-needed breather. But there’s no denying the team is feeling the wear and tear of the season’s first six weeks.
“We’ve just got to pick up the pieces tomorrow,” Roberts said. “And expect a good start out of Landon.”
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers have now dropped four on this homestand are 0–3 since the controversial DFA decisions that cut ties with two long-tenured veterans. They remain firmly in the playoff hunt, but the cracks in the armor are more visible than ever.
The offense continues to produce, but it’s clear that unless the pitching staff—especially the starters—can find stability, the bullpen will remain overextended. Roberts continues to juggle daily matchups and availability, but it’s clear he’s waiting for someone—anyone—to step up and carry the load.
In a season where urgency is mounting, Sunday’s sweep didn’t just hurt in the standings. It raised a fundamental question: how much more duct tape can this team apply before something gives?
Landon Knack takes the ball Monday, with more than just a win on the line. The Dodgers need innings. They need consistency. And they need something that’s been hard to come by lately—relief.
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