Saturday, August 29, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

If the Dodgers didn’t have a large lead in the division, their recent play might have cost the title.

It’s not the starting pitching. Blake Snell was brilliant through five innings, allowing a run. The Dodgers don’t know whether Shohei Ohtani will return to the mound because his knee and biceps are still bothering him. The team needs Ohtani’s offensive production more than his superb pitching even though he has been slumping since August 16^th.

The Dodgers’ bullpen was not the problem. Jack Dreyer had no cushion when he entered the game in the ninth. He didn’t pitch well, but allowing one run is not criminal. Seth Halverson, Alex Vesia, and Eduardo Henriquez were superb.

So why did the Dodgers lose to the Detroit Tigers, 2–1?

The offense was nonexistent. Freddie Freeman delivered when the Dodgers had a scoring opportunity.

Otherwise, the offense put fans to sleep.

Did the Dodgers face a future or past Cy Young Award winner?

No. I have never heard of Keider Montero before today’s game, and I think I know baseball.

While I was watching the game, I was thinking the Dodgers had no enthusiasm. They went through the game like a boring business meeting. Of course, Freeman didn’t take a pitch off. This is Freeman, the consummate professional.

The Dodgers need to play with some fire. In the past, I would say Dave Roberts needs to get ejected for something. But with the ABS and the replay reviews, managers don’t have a reason to get ejected unless they look like buffoons. Roberts doesn’t have that personality. Thank goodness.

Perhaps Kiké Hernández should find his rally banana suit to inspire his teammates, but wearing it doesn’t hit the same way when he is 35. He doesn’t need to look like a fool.

The problem with the Dodgers is that they don’t have any youth. Andy Pages brought a youthful enthusiasm, but he can’t play now with a broken hand. Alek Thomas tries to fill in and has done a good job.

Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt have done excellent jobs since becoming Dodgers in August. While people can’t wait for Will Smith to return, the Dodgers need Feduccia and Rortvedt for the joy of being in the major leagues.

Yes Teoscar Hernández, Kyle Tucker, and Mookie Betts have underperformed. The Dodgers must turn the page. Roberts needs to play Alex Call and Kiké Hernández more.

On Sunday, with Tyler Glasnow on the mound, the Dodgers will try to score runs, enabling them to win a series against the Tigers.