Dodgers’ Offensive Struggles Highlight Need for Velocity and Betts’ Return
The Dodgers are facing a stark reality: soft-tossing pitchers are exposing vulnerabilities in their lineup. After a promising start to the series against the Yankees, losses to the Yankees’ Ryan Yarbrough and the Mets’ Paul Blackburn – both known for their finesse rather than power – have revealed a concerning trend. This isn’t just about losing games; it’s a signal that the Dodgers’ offensive approach needs recalibration, and quickly. The arrival of Tylor Megill, with his 95 MPH fastball, couldn’t be more timely.
The Velocity Gap: Why Dodgers Bats are Cooling
The recent struggles aren’t a coincidence. Yarbrough and Blackburn consistently challenged Dodgers hitters with movement and location, but lacked the sheer velocity that often overwhelms opposing lineups. This suggests a potential weakness against pitchers who prioritize control and deception over raw power. The Dodgers, built around a core of hitters who excel at making hard contact, are finding it difficult to adjust to pitchers who disrupt their timing. This is a critical point as they navigate a season where facing a diverse range of pitching styles is inevitable.
The team’s first blown save allowed to Edwin Díaz, despite the loss, is a small victory, showing the team can still compete against top-tier arms. However, consistent offensive output remains the key to sustained success.
Mookie Betts’ Absence: A Ripple Effect Through the Lineup
Adding to the offensive woes is the absence of Mookie Betts, sidelined with a toe fracture sustained in an everyday accident. While his batting average hasn’t been stellar in 2025, his impact extends far beyond the numbers. Betts’ versatility, particularly his evolving defensive prowess at shortstop, creates a significant void in the lineup. His absence forces other hitters to shoulder a greater burden, and disrupts the overall balance of the team.
“Betts’ glove work has evolved so much that they miss him out at shortstop these days,” notes a recent analysis of the Dodgers’ defensive alignment. This highlights the multifaceted value he brings to the team, making his return all the more crucial.
Kershaw’s Continued Relevance and a Catcher Change
On the pitching side, Clayton Kershaw’s continued presence offers a glimmer of hope. While no longer the dominant force of his prime, Kershaw demonstrated promise in his last outing, despite a rain-shortened start. His upcoming matchup against the Mets presents an opportunity to extend his remarkable undefeated record against them (11-0, 2.00 ERA). Leveraging Kershaw’s experience and mastery against specific opponents is a smart strategy for a Dodgers staff navigating its own challenges.
A lineup change is also confirmed, with Will Smith taking over at catcher from Dalton Rushing. This move suggests a desire for a more established presence behind the plate, particularly with Dustin May on the mound. It’s a tactical adjustment that reflects the Dodgers’ commitment to optimizing their lineup based on matchups and individual player strengths.
Looking Ahead: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The Dodgers’ current situation underscores a broader trend in baseball: the importance of lineup versatility and the ability to adapt to different pitching styles. Teams can no longer rely solely on power hitters; they need players who can consistently make contact and disrupt opposing pitchers’ rhythm. The Dodgers’ front office will likely explore options to add more contact-oriented hitters, or to further develop the existing roster’s ability to adjust to a wider range of pitching approaches.
The return of Mookie Betts will undoubtedly provide a boost, but it’s not a panacea. The Dodgers need to address the underlying issues that have plagued their offense in recent games. This means a renewed focus on plate discipline, situational hitting, and the ability to exploit weaknesses in opposing pitching staffs. The upcoming games against the Mets will be a crucial test of their ability to adapt and overcome these challenges.
What are your predictions for the Dodgers’ offensive performance in the coming weeks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
