Los Angeles Dodgers: Five players to watch in the NLDS

RP Archie Bradley

Archie Bradley gave baseball fans perhaps the best moment of the Wild Card Game since its inception back in 2012. With a six to five lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, Bradley delivered a two-out triple that plated two runs for the Diamondbacks. Bradley, who had one hit all season, was the first pitcher to hit a triple since Dontrelle Willis in 2003.

Bradley then went on to surrender two runs in the top of the eighth inning on two solo shots that brought the game back to 8-7. While Bradley let up the runs himself, the triple stands as a metaphor for this Diamondbacks team that has a never die mentality. However, if Bradley continues to struggle, the Arizona bullpen may go down with it.

The fact of the matter is that Bradley is the only dominant arm in that Arizona bullpen. This was evident when Diamondbacks’ manager Torey Lovullo brought in starter Robbie Ray in the fifth inning. It was a win or go home game, but that is a serious question of concern for the Diamondbacks.

Bradley is the only reliever in the short-armed Diamondbacks’ ‘pen with a sub 3.50 ERA. While Los Angeles has had some questions on their bullpen as well, the team is going into the series with at least two starters ready to pitch in relief.

The Diamondbacks, well, outside of Bradley they are going to have a tough time keeping up with the deep pitching staff of LA. Especially after using their best two pitchers in the Wild Card Game, Arizona is going to need Bradley to be on top of his game against the Dodgers.