Let's play a game of 'Patience or Panic'
LOS ANGELES -- With a much-needed comeback win over the White Sox on Thursday, the Dodgers come into the big weekend series against the Giants with a 39-30 record through 69 games.
Now that there’s a big enough sample size, it’s time to play a game on a few of the team’s biggest topics. Is it time for patience? Or is it time to panic? Let’s take a look.
Starting rotation: Panic … but also some patience
Cheating the game a little bit here, but hear me out. Right now, there should be a high level of panic surrounding the Dodgers’ rotation. Los Angeles is currently on a four-man rotation because of bad performance and injuries. That’s a massive concern and something that has contributed in a big way during this recent funk.
Noah Syndergaard is on the injured list and the experiment to get him right just has not panned out. It remains to be seen if he has much of a future with the team moving forward. Michael Grove had another rough outing on Thursday, allowing four runs over five innings. His season ERA is now at 8.10.
Tony Gonsolin has been solid when healthy, but there was some concern about body fatigue before his last start. Gonsolin, of course, quieted some of those concerns with six scoreless innings in his last start against the White Sox.
Of the group, Clayton Kershaw has been the one constant producer and there are no signs that it won’t continue moving forward. Bobby Miller, since his call-up, has been electric, giving the Dodgers some much-needed life.
So why not all panic for the Dodgers?
Well, the rotation should get healthier at some point. Julio Urías is taking some positive steps in his recovery and could be back within a few weeks. Ryan Pepiot could also be back before the All-Star break.
Dustin May’s right elbow injury is a massive concern, but until something changes, the Dodgers are still hopeful they’ll have him back at some point this season.
Then there’s always the Trade Deadline, at which the Dodgers could get some help if they find a trade partner. The Dodgers are trying to weather this chunk of the schedule and that’s becoming increasingly difficult. Panic responsibly.
Bullpen: Panic
The Dodgers’ bullpen has had a forgettable start to the season, but the unit did toss six huge scoreless innings in the 5-4 win over the White Sox on Thursday. Maybe that’s a sign of things to come for the Dodgers’ bullpen. But until they do it consistently, it’s still understandable to panic.
Evan Phillips has been really good again this season, but even he hasn’t been quite as dominant as he was a year ago.
Yency Almonte and Alex Vesia, two of the best relievers last season, have not looked like themselves. Caleb Ferguson was starting to become a high-leverage reliever, but has had a tough couple of weeks.
After having one of the best ‘pens in the league over the last few seasons, the Dodgers now have one of the worst in the league.
James Outman’s prolonged slump: Panic
Rookies are going to go through their ups and downs, that’s just how this game works. But it’s been over a month for Outman and he hasn’t been able to find much success at the plate since his torrid start to the season.
After winning National League Rookie of the Month in March/April, it’s been a severe struggle for the Dodgers’ center fielder. Outman is 17-for-102 (.167) with two homers and an alarming 47 strikeouts since May 1.
That’s becoming a big enough sample size to suggest that Outman is having a tough time adjusting to the adjustment pitchers around the league have made against him. He’s no longer sneaking under the radar, given his early success.
Even with his struggles, the Dodgers will keep trotting him out there in center field. Now it’s up to him to figure it out, but sooner would be better than later.
Shortstop production: Patience
Miguel Rojas isn’t going to fill up the stat sheet offensively, but what he has provided on defense has been a big boost for the Dodgers. Rojas, as a defender, is better than what the Dodgers have had at the position in a long time.
Would getting Rojas going more consistently at the plate help the team? Sure. But his defense has given him enough of a leash that adding a shortstop at the Deadline isn’t a necessity, it would just be a luxury.