The Los Angeles Dodgers had a brutal week dropping Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to accidents. Whereas neither is misplaced for the season, their loss delivers a giant blow.
The accidents have additionally sparked dialog relating to the commerce deadline and whether or not or not the Dodgers ought to signal a shortstop or one other beginning pitcher. Fox Sports activities MLB Write Rowan Kavner spoke with Corridor of Famer and baseball analyst John Smoltz in regards to the determination the Dodgers are going through.
“I don’t suppose they must be determined,” Smoltz stated. “I believe they’re gonna win the division, clearly, except someone actually will get scorching within the NL West. They’ve that going for them, and they are often affected person and type of cherry-pick. But when they do present desperation and actually go after items that alter their future with among the prospects they’ve, I simply suppose it’s going to be a wait-and-see state of affairs. I believe they’re adequate with their roster to win the division simply.
“Now, I don’t know the way essential having a kind of two greatest data is to them. However they’re in an awesome spot, regardless of among the unhealthy accidents. You have a look at the 2 front-runners earlier than the season began, each the Braves and Dodgers have misplaced a big pitcher and a big participant. And everybody else appears to be OK with regards to among the accidents. Though Philadelphia has had their share of accidents not too long ago, they’re getting Trea Turner again. It’s type of a maintain, maintain, maintain, after which cherry-pick a participant when a kind of groups falls off.”
Smoltz isn’t flawed. The Dodgers are in an awesome spot. Getting into Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Los Angeles Angels, the Dodgers had a snug nine-game lead within the division. They’ve a rising star in Gavin Stone, who’s greater than able to filling in for Yamamoto, and Miguel Rojas is definitely a defensive improve at shortstop.
The subsequent few weeks will reply any questions that the Dodgers want answered. Till then, the workforce will proceed to play with one of the best lineup potential.
Picture Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
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