Los Angeles Dodgers: The three-step guide to defeating the Atlanta Braves

2. Don’t be afraid to use platoons

Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers should already know that manager Dave Roberts has not shied away from platoons in the past. In the postseason, however, things tend to slow down and Roberts manages with a broader scope of how one decision can affect a situation later in the game.

This makes Roberts more careful in when to use the platoons and when not to use them. My only advice to Dave Roberts: do not be afraid to stick to your guns and continue to bank on the platoons.

The Braves have a southpaw-heavy bullpen which could be a problem for the Dodgers’ A+ lineup, which consists of some notable left-handed bats. In those situations, the Dodgers have Brian Dozier, David Freese, possibly Enrique Hernandez, Matt Kemp, Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes to turn to.

It all depends on the lineup that the team is fielding but if the Dodgers are in a big spot in the seventh inning with Max Muncy up and a southpaw on the mound, do not be afraid to throw David Freese out there, who has thrived in this role thus far.

There are players the team should not take out unless it is a do-or-die situation or a situation that can win the game in the eighth and ninth inning (such as Cody Bellinger).

However, Roberts needs to utilize his deep bench in the big moments in which it is warranted. Other managers would not take the same approach and stick to their guns.