The Dodgers have not quite found the consistent rhythm that the reigning World Series champions were hoping for, especially after they bolstered their roster with big names in the offseason. There were many efforts to improve an already powerful team, particularly in the area of starting pitchers, but physical problems have complicated the management’s plan
Roki Sasaki and Tony Gonsolin, two of the potential starters, are still on the injured list, where other top arms in the rotation such as Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, the latter signed for more than $130 million in the free agent market, have spent several weeks
Snell was activated on Saturday and wasted no time in working against the Rays in Tampa, but could not prevent another Dodgers loss. The left-hander completed five innings against his former team and struck out eight, good signs after a long recovery process from left shoulder inflammation
His reappearance with the Los Angeles squad took place at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, where the Florida nine play their home games in 2025 after their stadium (Tropicana Field) was destroyed by the powerful Hurricane Milton
Things didn’t go too badly for Snell, but one hitter took it upon himself to spoil his day. We are talking about first baseman Yandy Diaz, who hit a pair of home runs and drove in three runs in the first third of the game. The Cuban, an old acquaintance of Blake’s because they shared a team in 2019 and 2020, punished him mercilessly with two hits that went beyond the limits in right field
Otherwise, Snell had a pretty smooth ride in his first Major League start since April 2, when he allowed five unearned runs against Atlanta. Since then, it was unclear how long he could be away from the diamonds with that shoulder discomfort, which ultimately cost him four months of the season
Despite his good work, Snell took the loss, basically because the Dodgers could not produce against four Rays pitchers, who struck out 11 and did not concede a walk. Los Angeles’ hitters have been well below their usual level and have noticed it in their collective results, as they have lost 15 of their last 23 games
The Dodgers have not won three consecutive games since the four-game winning streak they put together between June 29 and July 3, exactly one month ago. One of the players who has faced the most problems in the offensive box is Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, who on Saturday took three strikeouts against the Rays
Ohtani has struck out at least twice in eight of his last 11 games. During this period, he has been retired 23 times by strikes in 52 plate appearances, bad news for the Dodgers, who have seen their star’s offensive averages plummet
To this slump we must add the irregular performance of Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez and Tommy Edman, as well as the injuries to Max Muncy, Hyeseong Kim and Kike Hernandez, who are currently out of the roster. If these problems persist, the Dodgers could see their lead in the National League West Division threatened, where they are closely pursued by the San Diego Padres.
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