The Los Angeles Dodgers reached the end of the trade period with a strategy that generated surprise, criticism and counterproductive results in the campaign.
Dave Roberts trusted the roster built in the offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers and they made few new additions, compared to other teams that had significant moves.
The only notable move was the arrival of reliever Brock Stewart, who reinforced the reigning MLB champions. However, he was not the reinforcement the Dodgers were hoping for and after only four appearances, he was out with shoulder inflammation at a more than relevant time for the Los Angeles team.
Dodgers criticized for their decisions
In addition, the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered the loss of 12 pitchers due to various injuries, which occurred at a decisive moment in the campaign, with the San Diego Padres hot on their heels for the division lead.
This provoked criticism of the management led by Andrew Friedman, who stood firm in his stance and said: “We don’t live like that,” referring to not regretting not making big signings.
Making the comparison with what was done by their direct rivals, the San Diego Padres, acted forcefully in this Deadline to acquire key players and strengthen the squad for the end of the regular season and thinking already, in what will come for the Playoffs.
Padres smile, Dodgers stumble
Since the close of the deadline, the San Diego Padres have used their weapons and have established themselves as a strong team. During August, they have a record of 9-4 (until yesterday’s game), to be closer and closer to the lead in the National League West.
In fact, this lead is significant and of great value to the San Diego Padres, as they have not been in that position so late in the season since 2010.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in a slump that is beginning to worry fans because of the moment they are in and the fact that they have let go of a considerable lead they had at the beginning of July with nine games ahead
Unfortunately for the Dodgers, they went 12-21, allowing the Padres to close the gap. This, coupled with injuries in the bullpen, has alarm bells ringing in Los Angeles.
This Saturday, August 16, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres can begin to take a firmer path toward the National League West lead as they meet in the second game of the series.
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