Dodgers Collapse in Game Two Against Padres
The reigning champions made a surprising call in the middle of a heated rivalry. With a staggering 15 pitchers on the Injured List, the Dodgers essentially waved the white flag by handing the start to minor league call-up Matt Sauer. In Game Two against the Padres, their decision backfired spectacularly. After a narrow 8-7 win in Game One, they suffered an embarrassing 11-1 defeat the following night.
Matt Sauer’s Nightmare Outing
Stepping in after opener Lou Trivino tossed a clean first inning, Sauer allowed nine runs on 13 hits over just 4 2/3 innings. He threw 111 pitches before giving way to utility man Enrique Hernández, who made history by becoming the earliest position player ever used on the mound in franchise history. Sauer’s ERA now stands at 5.6 with a 1.38 WHIP and only 19 strikeouts.
Manager Dave Roberts Speaks Out
After the game, manager Dave Roberts commented on Sauer’s performance, noting, “I don’t think the command was good the entire night… but I felt that he wasn’t compromised as far as his health.” Despite the poor outing, Sauer remained optimistic, saying, “I’ve just gotta be better with locating the ball.”
Injuries Leave the Dodgers Scrambling
The Dodgers’ pitching rotation is in shambles. Stars like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin, and Gavin Stone are sidelined. The only dependable starters left are Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and Dustin May. The bullpen is being held together by little more than faith and hope.
All Eyes on Shohei Ohtani
With the rotation depleted, the Dodgers are looking to two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to step in—once he’s cleared to pitch again. Though he’s excelling as a DH, slashing .292 with 23 home runs and a 1.011 OPS, his arm could be the key to saving the season. On Tuesday, Ohtani threw three simulated innings, his third live practice session since May 31, and the results were promising.
Roberts Teases Possible Return
Roberts remains cautiously hopeful: “I would say that it’s definitely not nonzero… it’s north of zero.” He praised Ohtani’s form, noting that his fastball had “life” and that his sweeper was “really good.” Though there’s no official date, Ohtani’s post-All-Star break return could be the turning point for the Dodgers.
Desperation Turning to Hope
With the team barely holding on amid their injury crisis, a healthy Ohtani could be the game-changer they need. But the Dodgers won’t rush their prized DH back to the mound. The franchise is walking a fine line between desperation and long-term planning as they try to salvage their title defense.