Arizona Diamondbacks

Bullpen phone added to miscommunication for D-backs at Dodger Stadium

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:42 p.m. ET

Ken Rosenthal

Want to elaborate on what I discussed earlier on MLB Network regarding the miscommunication between the Diamondbacks' dugout and bullpen in their game Wednesday night against the Dodgers.

D-backs manager Chip Hale, in an exchange of texts earlier today, told me that the bullpen phone at Dodger Stadium has a lot of background noise, and that the loudness of the crowd and sound system sometimes can add to the difficulty in hearing. Another National League manager concurred with Hale's assessment.

Hale said that he wanted left-hander Matt Reynolds ready to face the Dodgers' Corey Seager with one on and one out in the eighth inning; the bullpen thought that Hale wanted Reynolds to start warming only after Seager began to hit.

Reynolds had warmed up twice earlier in the game, but no D-backs reliever was warming at the time that Hale walked to the mound and signaled that he wanted a left-hander. Reynolds then entered the game and allowed a two-run homer by Seager, helping seal the Dodgers' 4-1 victory.

One source said the D-backs had a similar breakdown in communication earlier this season at Dodger Stadium when left-handed reliever Oliver Perez was with the club.

Hale said there was no excuse, and that he had done a "poor job" of conveying his message to the bullpen.

The Dodgers a few months ago installed television monitors showing both bullpens in their home and visiting dugouts. The managers and coaches clearly can see which relievers are warming up.