Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn't regret resting his high-leverage arms during the team's World Series Game 4 loss.
Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia, and Michael Kopech all didn't pitch Tuesday night after Los Angeles deployed them - and three more relievers - to get through the late innings of its 4-2 win in Game 3 on Monday.
Blake Treinen hasn't pitched since appearing in Games 1 and 2.
"It's challenging," Roberts said postgame, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "I think you've got to be certain that you can score some runs. Certainly, any guy we (used) tonight would have not been able to pitch tomorrow."
The New York Yankees won Game 4 by an 11-4 margin after a record-setting home run by Freddie Freeman put the Dodgers up 2-0 in the first inning. The Yankees carried a slim 6-4 lead into the eighth before erupting for five runs.
Ultimately, Roberts believes resting his key arms was more important than chasing a win.
"We knew it was a bullpen game," he said. "As far as outcomes - to have six guys in your pen that are feeling good, rested, I feel good about that. And being up 3-1."
New York will hand the ball over to ace Gerrit Cole in Game 5. The Dodgers will counter with Jack Flaherty and its now well-rested group of relievers.
The Dodgers are one win away from their second title since 2020. The Yankees, meanwhile, are looking to become the first team in MLB history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the World Series.
Game 5 gets underway at 8:08 p.m. ET in the Bronx.
