Sunday, August 9, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

I can’t stand losing. After being a Dodger writer since 1993, I have seen many losses, and I have learned to roll with the losses. I can sleep after a Dodger loss now, but when I was a new Dodger writer, I didn’t sleep after a loss.

But now. I have had it. On Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers snapped a seven-game losing streak, but on Sunday, they continued their losing ways.

Justin Wrobleski had a bad day, allowing four runs in 3.1 innings. It happens.

During the losing streak, the Dodgers’ bullpen stunk. However, on Sunday, the bullpen didn’t allow a run over the last 5.2innings. On Saturday, the relievers had a good game. Too. The bullpen is the most volatile aspect of the game.

However, the Dodgers’ offense.

Ugh. Pitiful. Embarrassing.

After Sunday’s loss, Dave Roberts said that the Dodgers need to change their approach at the plate.

Ugh! I have heard that since May. During the broadcast, Joe Davis said that since July 1^st, the Dodgers are 21^st in runs scored. This is what I care about. I have heard about the approach since the beginning of spring training, and it hasn’t been changing or working.

As a Dodger writer and fan, I care about results. I know the approach at the plate and having a game plan are important for the players and the team, but they don’t give Dodger fans warm, fuzzy feelings when they hear about our offensive approach.

In March and April, Dodger fans will understand about hearing the approach.

Now, what should the Dodgers do about their offense?

The Dodgers miss having Will Smith. He was their most consistent right-handed hitter. Injuries happen.

The new catchers–Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia–aren’t the problem. Yes, they don’t give wow factor with their offensive prowess, but during the Diamondbacks’ series, they have had singles with good eyes for the strike zone.

Promote Hyeseong Kim. I know Kim doesn’t hit great, but the Dodgers need his enthusiasm. They don’t have any speed. Kim will give you a stolen base. When the Dodgers lead baseball in double plays, they need speed.

Sacrifice. I know modern analytics don’t like sacrifice bunts. Nevertheless, a sacrifice bunt prevents double plays, or rally killers, which I call them.

Play Alex Call. This outfielder knows the strike zone. He can make contact. He has speed to help to prevent rally killers. His .246 batting average with one home run and 16 RBI is completely acceptable in the major leagues. He can play all three outfield positions, so the Dodgers can rest Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker.

Rest Mookie Betts. For the second consecutive season, Betts has struggled. He has a .229 batting average with 13 home runs and 36 RBI. Since moving to shortstop, he is not the same offensive force. It might be because he lost much power after breaking his left hand in June 2024. Also, playing shortstop has changed Betts’ physical body. He isn’t as muscular as he was when he played right field.

Change the lineup. I am not a person who likes to criticize the batting order, but I think Roberts can do better.

My lineup would be:

Tommy Edman/Kiké Hernández/Alex Call/Hyeseong Kim

Freddie Freeman

Shohei Ohtani

Kyle Tucker

Teoscar Hernández

Max Muncy

Andy Pages

Ben Rortvedt or Hunter Feduccia

Mookie Betts

I tried to put the fastest players in the leadoff position. I know Kiké Hernández has lost step, but he is still a good baserunner. Freeman has the most success as a Dodger in the second hole. I know I have too many left-handed batters consecutively, but the Dodgers have too many left-handed batters, which is a part of the problem. This offseason, the front office needs to evaluate and find a good right-handed, contact batter.

Before spring training began, the media thought the Dodgers’ offense wouldn’t struggle. This is an optimistic view. Every team’s offense will slump over the course of the 162-game season. Nevertheless, in 2026, the Dodgers have been inconsistent offensively. This may prevent the Dodgers from having a three-peat.