The Los Angeles Dodgers started the 2025 MLB season with intensity, where they proved to be a true defending champion. However, as they approached the All-Star Game in combination with injuries to some of their stars, the Los Angeles team lost intensity on offense with poor pitching. MLB analyst Tom Verducci stated that the Los Angeles Dodgers have huge problems heading into the end of the current campaign
Of the last 11 series, the Dodgers have lost six, four of which have been by the embarrassing way of the sweep. For the first time, Dave Roberts’ team temporarily gave up the lead in the National League West to the San Diego Padres, but just in their matchup against this team this weekend they regained the top spot with their last two games won. “I tell you, there’s something not right with this team,” Verducci said on the podcast. “It’s not just about saying they’re going to bounce back, it’s that they haven’t played well this year.”
Verducci tears apart every area of Los Angeles Dodgers’ game
For the well-known MLB analyst, he went on to say that the Dodgers are suffering from “some systemic issues” and may be showing a lack of urgency, although that’s how they’re designed to play. “I just don’t like the way they’re playing. The offense is not as good as we thought. The defense is not as good as we thought, and the pitching is not as good as we thought. Nothing is right with that team and yet they have one of the best records in MLB,” said Tom Verducci where the relievers have not stood out and the starters have disappointed.
The mention of health is key, and he may be right, now with Max Muncy’s injury that has left him out for the remainder of the season. While the Dodgers have been depleted, they showed what they could do in a similar crisis during the 2024 postseason. However, the Los Angeles team has had very bad luck with injuries. They had as many as 16 pitchers on the injured list at one time earlier this season. While it may not just be about recovery, it’s silly to say that the reigning champions haven’t had problems because of their shortage of players.
The lack of reinforcements will be a mistake in their aspirations to reach the World Series
However, his claim about the lack of vision could be accurate. The Los Angeles Dodgers management had the opportunity to address their needs at the trade deadline, but they failed to get what they needed to remain competitive. While it is impossible for the Dodgers’ star-studded roster to be irrelevant, they do have obvious deficiencies in pitching and outfield talent
The Dodgers were linked with players such as All-Stars Steven Kwan and Mason Miller at the trade deadline, but decided to stand pat and seek additional signings such as Brock Stewart and Alex Call. Regardless of whether the problem is systemic or not, the Dodgers are underperforming and need to improve their situation before the end of the season.
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