Dodgers’ grip on the NL West has wavered as bullpen health dominates the conversation. After once holding a nine-game cushion, L.A. has seen that advantage shrink, with late-inning gaps exposing risk in a pennant chase. Fantasy players should note the possibility of Bobby Miller being fast-tracked to close if the relief corps can’t stabilize, turning a long-term stash into immediate upside.

Brock Stewart’s placement on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, plus Sasaki’s May shoulder impingement and 60-day IL stint, cloud the bullpen outlook. The mental hurdle Sasaki faces—Will I feel something when I pitch again?—adds another variable, making a healthy, productive bullpen feel distant but essential for playoff runs.

In fantasy terms, monitor bullpen usage closely. If Miller is called up for late-inning duties, his value spikes as an expedient closer option. Sasaki’s return could unlock a high ceiling, but the timeline remains murky. Until then, streaming candidates and cautious rostering of Dodgers relievers will be prudent as health and confidence battle for stability.

Dodgers bullpen woes loom as they completed a weekend sweep of the Padres but stumbled against the Rockies on Monday. With several relievers on rehab, the club leans on a potential late-game shift led by a call-up for Bobby Miller, should health delay return of the next pieces. Tanner Scott’s live-batting-practice update brings a spark of optimism, while Michael Kopech’s rehab looks uneven and may delay his impact. LA reportedly eyes Devin Williams on a one-year deal to re-establish relief value, a familiar Dodgers habit. Until health returns, the path to bullpen reliability remains tense and unsettled for fantasy managers navigating saves, holds, and bullpen win potential.

Dodgers bullpen struggles have become a major storyline after a dominant 2024 run, with health and command questions clouding late-inning outings. The plan hinged on bullpen depth returning to full strength, plus a potential Bobby Miller lift from Oklahoma City to close games. Instead, the unit has balked, forcing the rotation to absorb more high-leverage relief. The Padres series looms as a real test of whether L.A. can stabilize the relief corps and turn the season back toward the competitive arc.

Michael Kopech’s arrival from a three-team 2024 trade looked like a blueprint for bullpen punch, but his 2025 return from meniscal repair has been rocky. Rehab innings showed command hiccups even as his flame-throwing stuff remains elite. The Dodgers still hope Kopech can slot into high-leverage work, but success hinges on regaining feel for the zone. Veteran reinforcements and a possible quick call-up for Miller could buy time, yet the bullpen must show a clear path to competence in short order.

Bradley Edman’s addition in the three-team swap injects infield versatility and bench depth, while Kopech’s presence provides a potential bridge to the late innings. The Dodgers face a Padres squad that seized the division lead; a steady bullpen is not optional. If Kopech can regain his rhythm and Miller can contribute soon, L.A. might reclaim the buoyancy that propelled last year’s relief success. The next series will reveal if this plan can salvage the season or if more adjustments are needed.

Bobby Miller's promising career with the Los Angeles Dodgers has taken a significant downturn since his impressive rookie season in 2023, where he recorded a 3.76 ERA and 2.0 WAR. However, this past year has been marred by injuries, multiple demotions, and a staggering 8.52 ERA over 2024. Now in 2025, after struggling in the minors with a 5.58 ERA, the Dodgers have decided to transition the former top prospect to the bullpen, hoping that a fresh role will restore his confidence and effectiveness on the mound.

Manager Dave Roberts believes that this change could be the key to unlocking Miller's potential as a pitcher. With the Dodgers' current rotation, including the returning two-way star Shohei Ohtani, there’s little room for error. The team is looking to bolster their bullpen and believes that shifting Miller's role might yield positive results as he adapts to pitching in shorter bursts.

The St. Louis Cardinals face a critical decision regarding All-Star reliever Ryan Helsley as trade rumors swirl, particularly about the Los Angeles Dodgers showing interest. Reports suggest the Cardinals could make a strategic move by trading Helsley to acquire MLB-ready talent such as Justin Wrobleski, Bobby Miller, or James Outman. This potential trade could help rejuvenate the Cardinals' roster as they plan for future seasons while balancing their present competitiveness.

Trading Helsley, who is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, would not only create immediate needs in the bullpen but also allow the Cardinals to bolster their lineup with younger players who can contribute right away. The Cardinals, currently balancing youthful offensive talent with an aging pitching staff, could benefit from refreshing their roster while still focusing on potential contention in upcoming seasons. This strategy underscores that the franchise is not merely looking to chase a title in 2025 but also aiming for sustained success.