The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup features a bevy of All-Stars, but the offense collectively has been inconsistent — especially as of late, which coincides with the club dropping 11 of their last 18 games.
While the Dodgers rank in the top five in several offensive categories, the team has struggled to consistently put runs on the board during the skid. Since May 30, L.A. has been shut out twice but they also have scored as many as 11 runs in a game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently blamed the slump on the club straying away from focusing on what’s best for the team in favor of individual statistics.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman agreed with that sentiment but also noted the lineup has lacked consistency, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I just think there’s a lack of consistency,” Friedman said. “Obviously we appreciate that there are ebbs and flows. We felt we had the lineup depth that could withstand a couple guys going through those ebbs and still be pretty consistent. Obviously in totality it’s pretty good. But trying to figure out how to smooth that out to be more consistent I think is what everyone is focused on. It is also encouraging that we are leading the league in runs scored even with a lot of guys underperforming the back of their baseball cards.”
As Friedman mentioned, the Dodgers have one of the deepest rosters on paper, and it’s just a matter of everyone performing up to standards for the team to realize their potential.
Trea Turner, who has had multiple double-digit game hitting streaks this season, recently said the Dodgers lineup would benefit from trying to be more proactive, and added their approach isn’t necessarily what’s plaguing the team.
Roberts clarified criticism of Dodgers’ mindset and approach
After publicly criticizing his players, Roberts clarified his recent comments about the Dodgers’ mindset and approach.
“I’ve had conversations with certain players as far as making sure we’re on the same page as far as our goal,” Roberts explained.
“And that’s to win a baseball game each night. How we go about that shouldn’t waver and the goal shouldn’t waver, so it’s something that I just felt needed to be brought to light. It’s a good reminder for all of us at times during a long Major League season.
“So I feel like we’re in a good spot.”
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