Time to worry about defending champs?
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost seven consecutive games for the first time this season, including two sweeps, despite holding a comfortable 7½-game lead in the National League West.
- Closer Edwin Diaz, recovering from elbow surgery, has struggled significantly, blowing a save Friday night and showing issues with his slider, which is critical to his success.
- Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the lack of a clear alternative to Diaz in the closer role and emphasized the need to keep players in their earned roles while working through struggles.
- The Dodgers' offense has been underperforming, with key players collectively going 2-for-16 in the latest loss, and recent high-profile acquisitions like Kyle Tucker have not met expectations.
- Despite the rough stretch, the Dodgers remain confident, bolstered by recent acquisitions Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, and Roberts remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rebound.
