The Dodgers may have walked away with a win in the series opener against the Royals, but the final score offered only part of the story. Beneath the surface lie some glaring issues, particularly on defense, that could spell trouble down the line. Whoever watched the game could clearly notice the lack of urgency and hustle in the outfield.
Yes, the Dodgers managed to pull through this time, but relying on offensive firepower alone is a risky formula. Now, the pressing question is, what’s being done to fix it? Well, manager Dave Roberts didn’t sugarcoat the situation, while talking about the team’s defense. But whether his words bring reassurance or raise more concern remains up for debate.
“As a defender, we can’t be everywhere. I think if you look at our outfield construction, we’re not fleet of foot. We knew that as we built the roster, and so there’s going to be some cost. So when balls have some hang time on the line, or in the gap, and we can’t get to them, that’s part of it,” Roberts said.
Continuing further, he added, “We’ve got to make the plays we’re supposed to make, but there’s not a bunch of sprinters in the outfield. That’s just kind of how we’re constructed.”
Dave Roberts on Dodgers’ defense in the outfield:
“As a defender, we can’t be everywhere. I think if you look at our outfield construction, we’re not fleet of foot. We knew that as we built the roster, and so there’s going to be some cost. So when balls have some hang time on…
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 28, 2025
Well, it’s true that the Dodgers traditionally don’t employ sprinters in the outfield. But it doesn’t mean their outfield is short on speed across the board. For instance, Mookie Betts is known for his solid defense. But not every outfielder on the roster fits the same mold. Some are more focused on their offensive game, or bring different strengths to the table.
Moreover, the Dodgers rotate through several outfield options, and while not all of them are blazing fast, they all add value in their way. Ultimately, the Dodgers focus on blending strong bats, defensive flexibility, and smart positioning to make it all work. So, Roberts is not entirely wrong.
If the team can win the World Series, similar to last year, there’s nothing wrong in sacrificing a few fly-balls in the outfield. That’s the Dodgers’ style of play!
In the game against the Royals, the major defensive lapse came in the second inning when Kyle Isbel hit a liner to right field. While it looked like a routine play, Teoscar Hernandez misjudged it. He drifted back, but couldn’t complete the catch as the ball sailed over him for an RBI double. But Roberts might not be overly annoyed about that, as long as the offense is going well.
The Dodgers’ offense is the source of Roberts’ confidence
The Dodgers’ offense in 2025 has been nothing short of dominant. They’re currently leading the league in runs per game, averaging around 5.62. Now, that’s an impressive figure. With a total of 467 runs scored, the Dodgers are in smoking hot form when it comes to sheer slugging power.
So, who’s the trendsetter here? Well, no prizes for guessing. It’s Shohei Ohtani. He has been the standout star in the offensive surge. Ohtani is spitting fire with 29 home runs and 79 runs scored. He’s on pace to challenge or even break long-standing franchise records, especially in the runs-scored category.
The next in line is Freddie Freeman. He has also been a key contributor, hitting .312 with a .387 OBP and over 84 hits in 71 games. While he brings consistency to the lineup, Pages keeps the scoreboard ticking with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs, thus, providing a solid mix of reliability and power.
In short, the Dodgers have the most explosive offense in baseball right now. While stars like Betts, Pages, and Hernandez might not offer the same level of consistency in defense, they are dominating when it comes to slugging. That might be the secret sauce of the Dodgers’ form in recent times.
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