The Los Angeles Dodgers found themselves on the wrong end of history Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Angels completed a six-game season series sweep for the first time since Interleague play began in 1997.
Prior to going 6-0 in the Freeway Series this year, the Angels had never swept the Dodgers in a season series more than four games. They accomplished that in in 2019 by going 4-0 against the Dodgers.
More concerning for L.A., however, is their downward trend since July 4 has coincided with the San Diego Padres going on a strong run. It’s resulted in the Padres moving one game in front of the Dodgers for first place in the National League West heading into a stretch of six meetings in 10 days.
But first is a scheduled off day for the Dodgers on Thursday that manager Dave Roberts believes could prove beneficial for reasons beyond any potential frustration with being on a four-game losing streak.
“I think more physical. I think getting Blake (Treinen) reset, (Ben) Casparius, (Alex) Vesia, (Jack) Dreyer,” Roberts noted.
“For me, I’d like to get back to playing, and I think most of these guys would. But I think if you look at how to win a baseball game, getting our ‘pen back in line to support Clayton (Kershaw) on Friday is probably the best way to do it.”
Bullpen usage impacted Roberts’ decision making on Wednesday night, particularly once Justin Wrobleski walked consecutive batters to begin his third inning of work.
Edgardo Henriquez was called on for a back-to-back despite recording four outs the night prior, when he joined the team because of Brock Stewart going on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Had Henriquez managed to protect the Dodgers’ one-run lead in the eighth inning, Roberts planned to turn to Alexis Díaz for the save opportunity.
“I think just given Blake’s usage, really didn’t want to pitch Edgardo either with the up-down [Tuesday], but it’s kind of where we’re at right there,” Roberts said. “I felt the way Wrobo was throwing the baseball, he was the most rested guy. I
“I know he would love to have the two walks back to start the inning, but at that point in time I’ve got to make a decision.”
Dave Roberts surprised by Dodgers in second place
This is the latest point the Padres have held sole possession of first place in the NL West since Sept. 25, 2010. San Diego is looking to win the NL West for the first time since 2006.
They finished with the same record as the Dodgers (88-74) that year but clinched the division title due to winning the season series.
When the Dodgers swept the Chicago White Sox on July 3, they improved to a season-best 24 games over .500 and opened up a nine-game lead in the NL West.
But they are just 12-21 since July 4 and now face the prospect of needing to make up ground if they wish to win the division for a 12th time in the past 13 seasons.
“Absolutely not,” Roberts answered when asked if he could have envisioned the Dodgers being in this position compared to their standing six weeks ago.
“We’re where we’re at, we’ve put ourselves in this spot, but no, I wouldn’t have expected us to be in second place right now.”
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