It's not really like that. Relievers are supposed to be utilized that way. And regardless of how many times JJ successfully worked over multiple innings this year, I'm sure there's plenty of evidence showing that, like most relievers, he's best in his first inning of work and against the first few batters he faces - let alone against a team like LAD and the top of their order. That's just how bullpens go. And the accumulation of innings and appearances throughout the year is a factor, too. He's got a ton of miles on him right now. It's not the same as pulling Yelich at all. Also, hitters had a BABIP of .249 against him this year. He was good, but more of a candidate for "luckiest good reliever" than "best reliever". I generally agree with luke here, I don't want to see JJ right away if we can help it. Considering pretty much everyone aside from miley should be available today, I don't think we NEED to use him in a game we are winning. We have other good back end relievers that can close one down. Maybe go Soria, Knebel, Hader for 1 each and have Guerra bridge the gap to the 7th if Chacin starts to struggle. Jeffress will have to pitch and will probably have to pitch a game we are winning, I just don't think I'd do it right away. Everyone here is speculating as to why he's struggling right now, nobody definitively knows if it's a mental thing or his stuff simply isn't as sharp, or if it's simple BABIP regression against some of the best hitters in baseball. I won't fault CC if he goes to him right away, but based on the knowledge we have I think I would try to avoid using him if possible...at least today.