Corey Seager became the 13th player the Los Angeles Dodgers have put on the injured list since the regular season began, which includes losing Dustin May and Edwin Rios for the year. L.A. began the 2021 campaign with the expectation of Caleb Ferguson and Tommy Kahnle not pitching.
The Dodgers don’t have the same depth from years past, which has further heightened the losses of Cody Bellinger, Brusdar Graterol, Corey Knebel, Zach McKinstry, David Price and Seager to injury.
That factor, along with the team entering a collective slump, sent L.A. into a weeks-long skid that dropped their record close to .500. The Dodgers rebounded by winning four straight before the Miami Marlins managed to avoid a series sweep on Sunday.
Even with the loss, the Dodgers have stabilized a bit and won five of their past seven games. “I think everyone knew that wasn’t going to last forever,” Mookie Betts said of the downturn. “I think we know what kind of guys we have in the clubhouse, what kind of team we are.
“I think everybody kind of goes through their rough patch. Hopefully we’re over the edge. We’ve just got to get everyone healthy and we should be alright.”
Although losing Seager to a fractured right hand is certainly significant, Betts is confident the Dodgers are still capable of succeeding with players who remain on the roster. “Obviously we want to play at full strength, but I think the guys we have is plenty good enough to win games,” he said.
“We’ve done alright. Like I said, just got to get everyone healthy and do what we can until then. Like I said, the guys we have right now are plenty good enough to win ballgames.”
Betts continuing to find rhythm
Considered the spark plug at the top of the lineup, Betts is overcoming what was a slow start to the season.
“I think things are getting a little better,” he said. “I’m hitting it a little harder a little more often, so I feel pretty good. Got to come through in situations like [Sunday]. It doesn’t matter unless you show up when it’s time to show up.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
