Dodgers swept: 'We’re not doing enough'

SAN FRANCISCO -- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn’t happy when he woke up on Sunday. The Dodgers are going through their first extended slump of the season and Roberts believes it’s mostly due to uncharacteristic approaches and a possible lack of urgency.

Roberts’ unhappiness on Sunday was mostly directed at the Dodgers’ position players. It’s a group that most believed would be the best in the Majors. Some even questioned if this lineup would be among the best in Major League history. Through 60 games, the offense has been solid.

But over the last two weeks, Roberts believes the offense has taken an individual approach, as opposed to thinking about what’s good for the team. Roberts said the team has lacked “doing what it takes to win” this month. A team meeting isn’t yet necessary, said Roberts, but he will have “a lot of conversations” as he vowed to “figure out” what’s going on with his team.

On Sunday, however, the Dodgers’ offensive frustrations continued as they were swept during a three-game series against the Giants following a 2-0 loss at Oracle Park. The Dodgers scored two or fewer runs in four of the six games during the road trip, including two shutouts. Los Angeles went 2-4 against the White Sox and Giants.

“It’s getting more clear that we’re not doing enough to win baseball games. We’re too talented,” Roberts said before Sunday’s game. “It’s not about trying. We all know it’s not a try league. We need to all come together to start winning baseball games. That’s the only goal.”

After the game, Roberts gave Giants left-hander Carlos Rodón credit for his performance and noted that he saw improvements from his team as far as their individual approach. That could be a step in the right direction for the Dodgers, who are clearly struggling at the plate.

But perhaps that could be just as concerning for the Dodgers, considering that the team was unable to score a run and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position, including not capitalizing on three leadoff doubles. They scored just four runs during the three-game set against the Giants, leaving 29 runners on base.

“I think everybody’s individual case is different, whether it’s trying to do too much or just getting a better pitch to hit or I think some people had some really good at-bats,” Trea Turner said. “They have a good pitching staff for a reason and we just didn’t get it done."

The Dodgers shortstop said he hadn’t heard Roberts’ pregame comments, but agreed with the skipper, saying “at times that could definitely be the case” referring to individuals trying to do too much. Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, however, wasn’t quick enough to say they have changed anything regarding their approach over the last few weeks.

“I don’t know what that means,” Turner said. “I don’t think we’re doing anything differently. Go out and you set the table and try to come up with a big hit and just didn’t. … We’ve done a good job of setting the table. We just haven’t been able to get that big hit to unplug this.”

As the offense continued to struggle, Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías gave the team plenty of opportunities to win on Sunday. The 25-year-old Mexican allowed two home runs in the first inning, but proceeded to retire 16 consecutive hitters before allowing a two-out double to Darin Ruf in the sixth. Urías struck out a season-high 10 batters on Sunday.

The Dodgers are going to ask Urías to be even more efficient with Walker Buehler sidelined for a couple of months with a right flexor strain. Urías has been one of the Dodgers’ most consistent starters over the last two seasons, but is often not given the chance to get deeper into games. That will likely change with Buehler out of the rotation.

“There’s really nothing more we could’ve asked of him today,” Roberts said.

Given the many opportunities, this weekend in San Francisco is one the Dodgers would like to have back. The high-powered offense is trying to find answers. They’ll have Monday’s off-day to try to figure it out.

“People aren’t scared of us, and they shouldn’t be,” Trea Turner said. “You’ve got to be confident in yourself. If not, it’s going to be a tough game.”