Dave Roberts sends message to Dodgers bullpen after another late-inning disaster

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the middle of a concerning stretch, and their bullpen is becoming a major reason for concern. The two-time defending World Series champions suffered another brutal loss Thursday night, blowing a late lead against the Milwaukee Brewers in a game that could have major implications for the National League and MLB playoff picture. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t hold back when discussing the bullpen. He seemingly put his entire team on notice. MORE: MLB Power Rankings: New team takes over number 1 spot from Dodgers Dodgers blow another late lead Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) delivers to the plate as he earns a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Los Angeles entered the bottom of the ninth inning holding a 4-2 lead, putting the team just three outs away from an important victory over one of its biggest competitors. Instead, closer Edwin Díaz ran into serious trouble. After recording one out, Díaz surrendered four consecutive singles, allowing Milwaukee to erase the two-run deficit and tie the game. Roberts then turned to Alex Vesia, but the situation continued to deteriorate. Vesia gave up another single that brought home the go-ahead run, and Milwaukee ultimately held on for a stunning 5-4 victory. After the game, Roberts was asked about Díaz’s struggles and delivered a blunt assessment that went beyond his closer. The Dodgers manager suggested that nobody in the bullpen has been pitching well lately. MORE: MLB awards predictions for the 2026 season Dodgers have ground to make up Jun 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The timing couldn’t be worse. Los Angeles has now lost nine of its last 13 games, and the Dodgers are battling both the Brewers and Braves for the top two seeds in the National League. Those seeds are extremely valuable because they come with a bye through the Wild Card Series and guarantee a spot in the Division Series. Heading into Friday’s games, the Dodgers are two games behind the Brewers for the best record in MLB and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. They were also just a half-game ahead of Atlanta, putting their top-two seed in serious jeopardy. Díaz has been at the center of the bullpen concerns during his first season in Los Angeles. The former closer signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers this past winter, making the recent struggles particularly frustrating. The Dodgers have enough talent to win another championship, but their late-inning problems are becoming impossible to ignore. If the bullpen doesn’t figure things out soon, another disappointing loss like Thursday’s could be the difference between entering October with a first-round bye and having to fight through the Wild Card Series. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —