The Dodgers are tied for first in the National League West, despite struggling offensively in Max Muncy’s absence due to injury. The bullpen required five relievers to finish three innings against the Padres, who threatened consistently. The Dodgers managed only four hits, three from the bottom of the lineup. Managers express concern as key hitters, including Ohtani and Freeman, underperform, and the team faces increased right-handed pitching matchups.
Max just has that balance in the lineup, as far as another left-handed hitter, but also handles left-handed pitching and has the ability to get on base. He's a threat. Now, without him, other guys have got to step up.
Of the Dodgers' four hits on Friday evening, three were delivered by the bottom three batters in the lineup. That means Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages went a combined 1 for 17.
Collection
[
|
...
]