Dodgers, Mariners Bullpens Shine Amid Blue Jays' Struggles

Major League Baseball bullpens have played pivotal roles for several teams early in the season, with varying results. The Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen has been a standout, posting impressive strikeout numbers and ERA while handling a heavy workload, especially after starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow exited early due to cramps (Article 1). In contrast, the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen depth has emerged as a significant weakness, with injuries and underperformance from middle relievers exposing their lack of reliable options beyond their top arms (Article 2). The Philadelphia Phillies have also struggled, recording the league’s most blown saves and ranking near the bottom in bullpen ERA, with several key relievers underperforming in high-leverage situations (Article 3). Conversely, the Seattle Mariners’ bullpen delivered in key moments against Toronto, with lesser-used relievers stepping up in high-pressure spots to secure an extra-innings win (Article 5). These trends highlight how bullpen effectiveness—and depth—can dramatically influence teams’ fortunes in tightly contested games.