Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Kenta Maeda Addresses Recent Struggles
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Kenta Maeda Addresses Recent Struggles

Daniel Starkand
May 17, 2016
4 Min Read
Kenta-maeda-1
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Los Angeles Dodgers were defeated, 7-6, by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the first of a four-game, home-and-home Freeway Series on Monday night.

Dodgers starter Kenta Maeda struggled in a fourth consecutive time, giving up five hits and four runs while striking out five and walking two in only four innings of work. With the Dodgers trailing in the bottom of the fourth, manager Dave Roberts elected to pinch-hit for Maeda.

“I don’t think Kenta was as sharp as he’s been, the command wasn’t there. After that stressful third and the fourth wasn’t really clean, getting the top of the order coming up, third time they would see him, at that point I decided to go to the bullpen,” Roberts said.

“We have Kershaw coming up on [Tuesday] and the pen is rested. I wanted to keep the game close. We were down 4-3 at the time, and I felt the pen could give us those innings. Kenta at that point in time was only going to give us one more inning anyway.”

Maeda got off to a hot start this season, going 3-0 with a 0.36 ERA, 23 strikeouts and five walks over 25.1 innings pitched in his first four starts. However, he’s 0-3 with a 5.82 ERA, 20 strikeouts and nine walks in 21.2 innings across his past four outings.

Overall this season, the Japanese native is 3-3 with a 2.87 ERA, 3.67 FIP and 1.09 WHIP. Roberts attributed some of Maeda’s recent struggles to a lack of fastball command. “What I see is number one, his fastball command isn’t what it needs to be,” the rookie manager said.

“I think he’s just missing with the slider. Things just aren’t as sharp. … The last couple of outings, late in the game, he hasn’t been as crisp as he was.”

Maeda agreed, citing his failure to carry out a game plan. “I haven’t been able to execute my plan. During the good times I’m a little more careful,” he said. “Even with runners on base, I’ve been able to get out of jams. But, in a lot of situations these days that hasn’t been the case.”

Maeda also said there isn’t a specific reason he’s relied on his slider more heavily in recent outings, but added it was something he would adjust moving forward. The 28-year-old signed with the Dodgers in the offseason after playing eight seasons in Japan, where he pithed just once a week as opposed to every fifth day.

Roberts doesn’t believe fatigue is an issue to this point for Maeda. “That might be something down the road, but it’s not too much of a concern right now,” Roberts said.

Maeda agreed: “Personally, I don’t think less days of rest are that hard or have been a problem.” Maeda also dismissed the notion opposing batters have benefitted from more film being available on him.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Kenta MaedaLos Angeles Dodgers
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Adrian Gonzalez
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Best Adrian Gonzalez Highlights With Dodgers

February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
Garrett Cooper
FeaturedGame Central

Recap: Dodgers Lose Third Straight Heartbreaking Game To Marlins

July 7, 2021
July 7, 2021
Cody Bellinger, Joey Gallo, Gavin Lux, Trea Turner, Dodgers win
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers Break Franchise Wins Record For Single Season

September 28, 2022
September 28, 2022
Spring Training Recap: Angels Spoil Julio Urias’ Debut In Win Over Dodgers
Spring TrainingVideo

Dodgers Videos: Austin Barnes, Adrian Gonzalez Hit Solo Home Runs Vs. Angels

March 12, 2016
March 12, 2016

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어