It seems the All-Star break has come a bit early for the Dodgers this year.
Based on their recent performances, they might as well be on a vacation already.
Take Saturday night, for instance. They suffered a 9-2 defeat against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
Once again, sloppy defense was on display, a pattern that had already cost them two games earlier this week. Particularly concerning was All-Star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had a challenging outing. In the sixth inning, he allowed five runs, which felt pretty rare for someone of his caliber.
But the real issue was the lackluster offense. That was evident as they struggled to do anything against Arizona’s Brandon Fuhrt for the first five innings. Although they finally managed to score a few runs in the sixth, they couldn’t keep up the momentum needed to turn the game around.
Instead of rallying, they floundered for the rest of the night. Newcomer Landon Knack, making his season debut out of the bullpen, added to their woes by surrendering three more runs.
What It Means
It feels like the Dodgers might be looking ahead to October already.
But just because that’s in sight doesn’t mean they can afford to take things easy.
In Saturday’s game, Max Muncy’s multiple misplays at third base were particularly damaging. An error in the third inning and a failed attempt to stop Tim Tawa’s down-the-line double in the sixth didn’t help. Yamamoto also faced issues, as he intentionally walked Nolan Arenado but then allowed a three-run homer to James McCann, which resulted in a concerning six runs.
Who Is Hot
Honestly? The Dodgers didn’t have anyone making an impact that night.
They began the game with nine straight outs against Fuhrt, who was making only his sixth start of the season. There were missed opportunities, including having two runners on with no outs in the fourth inning and a brief rally in the sixth.
Though Tommy Edman hit a double and Andy Pages along with Mookie Betts contributed RBIs, the Dodgers still fell short, even after forcing Arizona to make a pitching change.
The shift to lefty Brandin Garcia worked in Arizona’s favor, as Muncy struck out looking and Tucker flew out to shortstop.
In total, the Dodgers ended with just six hits, managing to go 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
Who Is Not?
Knack was back in the majors after a lengthy stint in Triple-A, but his return did not go well. He allowed one run in the seventh and followed up by giving up two solo homers in the eighth.
He was activated mainly because the team was in need of bullpen help after a long night the day before.
Kyle Hart, another struggling right-hander, was sent down as part of these changes, although manager Dave Roberts believes he’ll be back in the second half of the season.
To the Next
As they close out the first half on Sunday, the Dodgers will aim to avoid a sweep against Arizona, facing Emmett Sheehan (4-6, 4.91 ERA) and rookie Mitch Blatt, who is stepping in for the injured Zac Gallen.
