Dodgers Face Challenges Ahead of Yankee Series

NEW YORK – Names like Trevor Bauer, Andrew Jones, Jason Schmidt, and Scott Kazmir might come to mind when discussing the Dodgers’ less-than-stellar free agent pickups. And unless things take a dramatic turn, Kyle Tucker could soon join that list.

As the Dodgers gear up to resume their season after the All-Star break, they’ll kick off a three-game series at Yankee Stadium, boasting an 11-and-a-half-game lead in the National League West. This advantage is the largest in baseball, placing them in a solid position to make the postseason and likely securing a bye in the wild-card round.

However, it’s a different story for Tucker, the 29-year-old right fielder who has struggled this season with a batting average of .244, seven home runs, and 47 RBIs.

While the Dodgers are keen to enhance their roster, making Tucker the most expensive No. 6 or 7 hitter in history likely wasn’t Andrew Friedman’s plan when he signed him to a four-year, $240 million deal.

Tucker isn’t ready to be labeled a bust just yet. Manager Dave Roberts noted that the four-time All-Star has been dedicated to improving, spending extra time with the team’s hitting coaches.

“I’ve basically tried everything,” Tucker shared last month, reflecting his determination.

This attitude aligns well with the overall mindset of the Dodgers. While they sit in a comfortable position, players like Tucker have something to prove.

He’s not the only one. The team has several players who aren’t meeting their usual performance levels, along with veterans eager to demonstrate their value beyond this season. There are also those returning from injuries who realize that if they play in October, it won’t make up for missed games earlier this year.

So, no worries about them slacking off. They might not face intense competition from teams like the Diamondbacks or Padres, but the motivation to keep pushing through the final weeks of the regular season is strong.

Beyond Tucker, More Issues for the Dodgers

Mookie Betts entered spring training looking to return to MVP form after injuries hampered his game for the last couple of seasons. Unfortunately, he has faced another setback, missing five weeks earlier this season due to an oblique strain. Although he’s just beginning to regain his former self, progress is slow.

Teoscar Hernández has a somewhat similar story. He came to spring training in better shape but suffered a hamstring strain early in the year, which put him out for about a month. His performance has also declined significantly, especially since his contract runs out next season.

Freddie Freeman, who is signed for just one more year after this season, was named an All-Star but will turn 37 in September. He has expressed a desire to end his career with the Dodgers, and keeping up his hitting will certainly help that cause.

Additionally, closer Edwin Diaz is expected to return soon from the injured list, and pitchers Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and catcher Will Smith should follow in the coming weeks. Diaz, who was signed for $69 million in the offseason, managed to save only four games before undergoing elbow surgery. He’s currently on a minor league rehab assignment.

Snell had surgery after starting only one game and is anticipated to start pitching in the minors shortly. Glasnow is finally back on the mound after a lengthy absence due to back issues, while Smith has been out for over a month with a neck problem.

The return of these players could help break the routine of a long season and reinvigorate the team’s spirit.

Moreover, motivation is not lacking among the Dodgers. Their impressive record of 61-36 reflects not just talent but a commitment to professionalism throughout a challenging season.

Despite some mistakes leading up to the All-Star break, the Dodgers maintain the top fielding percentage and defensive efficiency in baseball. Their pitchers have the third-lowest walk rate in the National League.

“What we’ve been really good at is not giving up runs because of our defense,” Roberts remarked.

Winning the World Series twice in the last two years hasn’t overshadow the importance of sustained efforts in the upcoming months. The players have a collective mission, along with individual stakes, as they navigate this season.