The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be falling out of place, especially after their four-game losing streak that has caught the attention of many. The Dodgers’ most recent setback was a 5-9 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, which made their problems even worse. This sudden decline is concerning not only for Dodgers supporters but also for the team’s management. There is no denying that the Dodgers manager has been outspoken in his criticism of those accountable for the team’s recent losses. Any guesses what might be the reason?
Well, according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Los Angeles Dodgers gave away 30 runs in their last 30 innings. And it’s true—their defense was bad, but the pitching was even worse. Dave Roberts said, “It’s not the hitting; it’s the pitching that’s killing this team. We’ve given up runs in the 1st inning too many times to give the other team the lead right off the bat; it’s getting ridiculous.”
MLB analyst Jack Harris wrote in his article, “The pitching wasn’t great either. Left-handed opener Jack Dreyer followed Muncy’s bad throw with an even wilder pitch to the backstop in the next at-bat, advancing the runner to set up an eventual sacrifice fly.” To make matters worse, Diamondbacks players Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. each hit two two-run home runs off of Landon Knack in this third inning.
Manager Dave Roberts, visibly frustrated with the way things are going, said, “We’ve got to start being more efficient, certainly from the starters, to give us an opportunity to get deeper into games.” Not to forget that the Dodgers’ pitching lineup has been marred by injuries, be it Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, or Roki Sasaki. But the problem doesn’t end here!
The Dodgers entered the majors with a 59.8% first-strike rate, which is also a problem, according to Roberts. As it might have led to longer innings and an increasing workload for the staff as well. “The 30-pitch innings just don’t play. It’s not sustainable. And that starts with getting strike one. That ultimately goes to our entire pitching staff.” So, there’s nothing to hide. Dave Roberts has been clear in his statement and believes that the pitching requires attention.
However, one piece of good news is that Clayton Kershaw has returned, making his season debut on Saturday.
Dodgers’ despairs might soon be over with the return of their starters
Amid the injury woes and four consecutive losses, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw is finally back. His presence is sufficient to spare the Dodgers from their plight, even though his performance during the four innings on Saturday was not particularly noteworthy. Just like Bill Russell, it’s Kershaw’s 18th season with the Dodgers. While Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani may have been the main stars in the lineup, Kershaw’s return gives the Dodgers a major boost. His stats—a 2.51 ERA, 433 G, 2746.0 IP, and 2970 strikeouts at a 1.01 WHIP—may even be too impressive for many others to match.
However, Kershaw’s return is not the only thing to rejoice for the Dodgers. According to Dave Roberts, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell have been showing good signs while throwing pitches as well. It is anticipated that Roki Sasaki will begin throwing during the next road trip. The most significant development, though, is that two-way player Shohei Ohtani has started throwing again during bullpen sessions and should soon be pitching again.
“It’s not the staff we thought we’d have this season, but I feel that what we still do have and have done in the past with injuries, we’re not doing. In the sense of getting ahead of hitters and keeping them in the ballpark,” Roberts said. And it cannot be denied that even with the injuries plaguing their lineup, they still have done it quite well. However, once the starters return, it’s just a matter of time for the Dodgers to show what they are capable of.
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