What will be the reason why the Los Angeles Dodgers do not behave like a true defending champion? Of the 13 series they have played in the second half of the campaign, they have only won six. They have let a comfortable 10-game lead slip away in defense of the National League West lead to just one game where the San Diego Padres are lurking. The offense has failed in the last two games, scoring only one run in total. Injuries have been a factor within the Dodgers’ roster and therefore an offensive irregularity.
The Dodgers’ bats have cooled off and largely one of the culprits is Teoscar Hernandez, who went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in the two losses. After a strong start to the year in April, the 32-year-old outfielder has struggled since then and reached a new low in August, hitting .211 with a .670 OPS and 30 strikeouts in 24 games. Hernandez’s problems began after he was injured in May with a bone bruise, and groin tightness in July may have further contributed to his decline at the plate.
Teoscar Hernandez misses Sunday’s game against D-Backs
With the series lost, Dave Roberts has made modifications to his lineup, regardless of a new sweep in the season or that San Diego Dodgers is lurking again. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager removed the Dominican from his usual position in right field and has placed the player acquired through trade, Alex Call, and has given him the sixth turn at bat.
Roberts addressed the matter before the game, saying it was a normal day off for Hernandez and adding: “He’ll be back there on Tuesday”. Although Teoscar appears to be healthy, his play has not matched what the Dodgers expected after signing him to a three-year, $66 million contract this offseason after having his best career season on a trial contract with Los Angeles in 2024, winning his first World Series title and earning an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award.
What’s next for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Considering what he meant to the city and his status as a fan favorite, the front office decided to bring him back. And with his excellent performance in the postseason, it’s likely that Hernandez will retain his starting spot heading into October with the opportunity to turn things around. However, returning to his offensive production of 2024-early 2025 will be crucial to the team’s hopes of winning the division title.
After finishing their series against the Arizona D-Backs, the Los Angeles Dodgers will have a double road trip. From Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4, they will face the Pittsburgh Pirates where it is possible that the sensational pitcher Paul Skenes will start this opening game, although it is not confirmed. Meanwhile, from Friday 5 to Sunday 6 they will visit the Baltimore Orioles. Undoubtedly, these will be six very intense games where Dave Roberts will have to come out with a favorable balance to defend the top of the Western Division.
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