The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into the postseason chasing a third consecutive World Series championship, and they still haven't said who will get the last outs. In a commentary piece dated Sept. 27, the Los Angeles Times reported that the club has not committed to a closer.
The Times noted that the Dodgers are in this position even after investing heavily in two relievers, Edwin Díaz and Tanner Scott. How the Dodgers plan to use Scott in the playoffs remains an open question.
Andrew Friedman doesn't see that as a crisis. According to the Times, he is confident the Dodgers bullpen can adjust to late-inning, high-leverage situations in October, no matter which pitcher is called on.
To show how unusual that approach is, the Times looked back at the Yankees and their Hall of Fame closer, Mariano Rivera. Rivera recorded the final four outs of the 1998 clincher, the final four outs again in 1999 and the final three outs in 2000.
The Dodgers don't have that kind of fixed answer. The Times commentary argues that going without a designated playoff closer isn't as bad as it might sound, but for now, who pitches the ninth inning in October is still undecided.