Only three National League starting rotations have a lower ERA than that of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but short outings have taxed the team's bullpen.

The Dodgers' rotation ranks 15th out of 30 teams in terms of innings pitched.

"Perhaps that is because the new analytically minded front office is playing to the percentages, and studies increasingly show that starters' effectiveness declines precipitously the third and fourth times a lineup returns at bat," writes Mark Saxon.

Relying more on the bullpen has created some visible holes for the Dodgers. Rookie relievers Yimi Garcia and Adam Liberatore haven't been as automatic as they were earlier in the season. Chris Hatcher has also never really gotten into a groove.