The Dodger Stadium has seen its fair share of losses before, but not like this one. The third consecutive loss against the Chicago Cubs was just on the surface. Beneath that, the Los Angeles Dodgers found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Now, they fear that they have lost the touch of their signature style of play. The scoreboard indicated that this time the Dodgers were far away from the standards they had set for themselves.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs seized the win by 4-2. The Dodgers suffered a brutal 16-0 shutout, backed by 21 hits. Following the painful defeat, Manager Dave Roberts admitted, “Honestly, I don’t feel good about it. But I’m not too pessimistic about the results right now.” Seems like, at this point, he’s just trying to stay cautiously optimistic.
He added, “We just don’t work well together. It’s not a matter of preparation; we’re simply not getting results.” Roberts has no second thoughts on the team’s efforts and preparation. It’s more about how the efforts are not turning into execution and timing.
Sep 2, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
To top it all off, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Shohei Ohtani, as well. His batting average dropped to .273 with 4 home runs across 17 games. Additionally, he took the field as the DH against the Cubs, but he went silent and recorded 0 hits in five at-bats. In the bottom of the ninth inning, there were two outs for Shotime’s final at-bat that hit a ground ball to the first baseman, and that ended the game.
Didn’t see that coming, did you? But meanwhile, Enrique Hernández delivered two runs, the only two runs from the Dodgers.
This painful defeat against the Cubs marked the Dodgers’ worst home shutout loss in franchise history. As Roberts put it, “What I’m worried about is that we haven’t been able to play our own style of baseball. If we can get that back, the results will come.”
More than anything, Roberts is concerned about the rhythm and consistency the team has been losing. Once they find their footing, expectedly, they will come out stronger than ever, only if another injury doesn’t knock them down again.
Dave Roberts opens up about why Teoscar Hernández is out of the Dodgers’ lineup
Just as the Dodgers were hoping to get out of the rough patch, they’ve yet again hit another setback. Teoscar Hernández, one of their hottest bats, didn’t appear during the recent starting roster against the Colorado Rockies. Manager Dave Roberts opened up about the reason behind this – a lingering stomach bug. He’s now under the weather.
So, Hernandez has joined the company of all the other players who are sidelined due to injuries.
Hernandez holds an impressive set of numbers with his batting average sitting at .281 with five homers, 16 RBIs, and an .871 OPS. His absence certainly stings at this point, given that the Dodgers cannot afford any setbacks at this stretch of the season.
Well, Hernández is not part of the lineup, but the probability was certainly high that he would make an appearance when needed. But following Teo’s unavailability, the right field duties have now been handed over to Andy Pages.
Now, as the Dodgers gear up for stepping against the Colorado Rockies after losing three consecutive matchups to the Phillies, Nationals, and Cubs, Dave Roberts isn’t ready to lose hope yet. “I do think it’s too early to panic. We still got a good ball club… I still expect to win the division.” The Dodgers’ lineup has the best set of key players, and there is enough reason for one to stay positive about their rhythm to come to beat sooner or later.
The Dodgers will be going against the Colorado Rockies on 15th April at Dodger Stadium, and we will finally know if they take this as an opportunity to end their losing streak. Do you think today’s the day LA will make a U-turn?
The post “I Don’t Feel Good”: Dave Roberts Admits Concern Over Dodgers Slump as Shohei Ohtani Goes Hitless in 5 At-Bats appeared first on EssentiallySports.