Dodgers Face Brewers in Pivotal Series, But Offseason Questions Loom Large
The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped a 4-1 decision to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, falling to 74-50 on the season. The loss gives the Brewers a 2-1 edge in the four-game set and, perhaps more importantly, evens the season series at three games apiece.
Sunday's matchup now carries real weight. The winner takes the season series, which means the tiebreaker advantage in the race for the best record in the National League. Right now, the Dodgers sit as the No. 2 seed, two games behind the 76-48 Brewers.
The Dodgers managed just one run across six innings against NL Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski. Meanwhile, All-Star left-hander Justin Wrobleski continued his second-half struggles, surrendering four runs in his six frames.
What did Tarik Skubal say about joining the Dodgers?
Tarik Skubal takes the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday in what will be his third start for LA. His first came on the road against the Cubs, his second at home versus the Royals. Now, with the nerves behind him, he opened up about how impressed he is with his new organization.
It's as seamless as things can go. When your life gets a little chaotic, [the Dodgers] have done a great job of calming all that stuff down and helping us out and helping this transition go really smoothly. I really appreciate that. And I don't expect any different from what I've heard about the Dodgers from the outside. It's been a ton of fun to be a part of.
Skubal's comments highlight a broader point about how organizations treat players beyond the field, something fans often don't see. For a franchise with championship expectations, that culture matters just as much as the payroll.
Why did Dave Roberts bench Kyle Tucker?
Kyle Tucker sat on Saturday amid his stark home-road splits. Manager Dave Roberts said the $240 million outfielder will return to the lineup on Sunday, but he wanted Tucker to step back and reset.
Roberts wanted Tucker to just watch a baseball game and set aside some of that frustration. Whether the day off helps him find his swing remains to be seen, but it's a notable move for a player with that much invested in him.
What message did Dave Roberts send to Edwin Díaz?
Roberts also addressed another disappointing offseason addition: closer Edwin Díaz. The $69 million reliever has struggled in his first season with LA, but Roberts made it clear he has no plans to pull him from the ninth inning role.
He's got to find his way. And he's got to have a runway to find his way. ... I'm betting on the fact that the stuff will kind of right, and he'll figure it out.
It's a patient approach, but one that raises questions about how long a contender can afford to wait. In a division race this tight, every game counts, and the bullpen remains a legitimate concern.
What else is happening with the Dodgers?
Beyond the big stories, there's plenty of movement around the club. Here's a quick rundown of the latest headlines:
- Tarik Skubal 'Blown Away' by Dodgers' Clubhouse, Amenities
- Dodgers' Dave Roberts Reveals Why He Benched Kyle Tucker on Saturday vs Brewers
- Dave Roberts Sends Clear Message to Edwin Diaz Amid Struggles
- Dodgers' Dave Roberts Changes His Mind on Retirement Timeline
- Dodgers Lineup vs Brewers: Kyle Tucker Out, Alex Call Starting
Sunday's game is more than just a regular season matchup. It's a statement game for a team trying to prove its offseason gambles will pay off when it matters most.
Photo: Sports Illustrated