As October approaches, many fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers typically begin contemplating the best choices for the upcoming playoff roster. The bullpen is often the biggest question mark, as it represents the largest portion of the roster with eight or nine players. However, there could be a different approach this year with the bullpen due to the potential requirement of several relievers needing the ability to go multiple innings.

Obviously, the Dodgers will build their relief crew around a dwindled rotation that could consist of Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Miller and Lance Lynn. Whether the team trusts someone like Ryan Pepiot as the fourth starter could determine the need for a long man or extra arms to use as openers. Furthermore, the long man could come in the form of a youngster with limited postseason experience like Michael Grove, Emmet Sheehan or Gavin Stone.

Another thing to consider is that the club often has players returning from injury right around the beginning of the postseason, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this year. This weekend, the club essentially ruled out a return of righty Yency Almonte for the NLDS, who might not have been a key contributor based on the season he was having, anyway. In addition, it’s probably safe to speculate that neither Daniel Hudson nor Blake Treinen would be healthy enough to return at all.

Regardless, the 2023 postseason bullpen will be powered by a highly formidable three-pronged attack in Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol and Ryan Brasier. Graterol has been on an absolute mission since June 21, throwing 34-1/3 innings in 33 games with an insane 0.26 ERA. Since his arrival in Los Angeles, Brasier has posted a 0.74 ERA and a 0.716 WHIP with 36 punchouts over 36-1/3 innings in 36 games.

Both Brasier and Graterol have proven to be worthy setup men for Phillips in the late innings.

The second tier of relievers consists of names like Caleb Ferguson, Joe Kelly, Shelby Miller and Alex Vesia, who all have relief experience on the postseason stage. Nevertheless, the most important roles could be the long men, particularly with Ryan Yarbrough.

Yarbrough has been decent for the Dodgers since coming over from Kansas City, producing a 3.12 ERA and a 1.067 WHIP over 10 solid appearances. His longest outing of the year was with the Royals when he went an even seven innings in a start against the Twins on July 30, allowing just one earned run with five punchouts and no walks. His longest appearance for the Dodgers was on September 17 when he threw 4-2/3 innings against the Mariners.

Yarbrough still has some work to do, as his last four outings have been among his worst this year, as he has allowed eight earned runs over 15-1/3 innings.

Other players who could potentially contribute for the Dodgers in relief include Victor Gonzalez, Bryan Hudson and freshly appointed Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Kyle Hurt.

The MLB allows teams to carry 26 players on the postseason rosters with no more than 13 pitchers.