Category: Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers lose Eric Lauer to injured list amid latest rotation setback

By: @OOSSports

Eric Lauer

The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again dealing with uncertainty in their starting rotation.

Dodgers left-hander Eric Lauer was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday because of left elbow inflammation, according to the club’s official transaction record. The move comes one day after Lauer surrendered seven runs on eight hits, including two home runs, over three innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Veteran reliever Blake Treinen was reinstated from the 60-day injured list in the corresponding move. Will Klein was transferred to the 60-day IL to create room on the 40-man roster.

Lauer’s injury creates another opening in a Dodgers rotation that has repeatedly been forced to adjust this season.

Eric Lauer injury creates another Dodgers rotation question

Lauer had only recently returned to the starting five.

Los Angeles previously shifted him to the bullpen after Tyler Glasnow returned from injury, but Roki Sasaki’s blister opened another rotation spot. Lauer received that opportunity Tuesday before the Cardinals roughed him up.

Now the Dodgers must find another solution.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal are scheduled to handle the final two games of the St. Louis series, while Glasnow and Blake Snell are expected to take two of the starts this weekend against the Washington Nationals.

That leaves at least one opening.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic identified Emmet Sheehan as a likely candidate for a spot start. Sheehan was optioned Aug. 21 and would ordinarily be ineligible to return until Saturday unless directly replacing a player placed on the injured list.

Los Angeles acquired Lauer from the Toronto Blue Jays in May for cash considerations after he struggled to a 6.69 ERA through eight appearances with Toronto.

Blake Treinen returns to bolster Dodgers bullpen

Lauer’s absence hurts the rotation, but Treinen’s return provides a needed boost elsewhere.

The 38-year-old had been sidelined since June because of right elbow inflammation. Before the injury, Treinen posted a 3.52 ERA over 23 innings. Imaging showed no structural damage when he originally landed on the IL.

Treinen recently completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City and had been expected to return in early September.

His return is especially important for a Dodgers bullpen that has lacked dependable right-handed high-leverage options.

Los Angeles now faces another rotation shuffle during a stretch of nine consecutive game days. Lauer’s elbow issue only adds to the challenge of navigating September while keeping the pitching staff healthy for October.

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Dave Roberts sticking with Edwin Diaz as Dodgers closer despite latest meltdown’

By: @OOSSports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a serious ninth-inning problem, but manager Dave Roberts is not ready to make a change.

Edwin Diaz suffered another brutal outing Thursday night against the Milwaukee Brewers, blowing a two-run lead in the ninth inning before Los Angeles eventually fell 5-4 at Dodger Stadium. The loss marked Diaz’s third blown save in his past four appearances and continued a disastrous start to his Dodgers tenure.

Despite those struggles, Roberts plans to keep Diaz in the closer role.

When asked whether he would consider temporarily moving Diaz out of the ninth inning, Roberts pushed back on the idea.

“Give me another option,” Roberts said, via ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.

The response reflects both the Dodgers’ continued belief in Diaz and the lack of a clearly superior alternative at the back end of the bullpen.

Edwin Diaz’s struggles continue for Dodgers

Los Angeles signed Diaz to a three-year, $69 million deal during the offseason, adding one of baseball’s most accomplished closers to a bullpen built for another championship run.

His first season with the Dodgers has gone nothing like expected.

Diaz underwent surgery earlier this year to remove loose bodies from his right elbow and missed more than three months. The Dodgers activated him from the injured list in late July, and Roberts immediately returned him to the closer role.

Since then, the results have been alarming.

Diaz surrendered a two-run walk-off home run to Ryan Waldschmidt against the Arizona Diamondbacks last Friday. He then allowed Arizona to tie the game in the ninth inning the following night before briefly rebounding with a clean inning against the Kansas City Royals.

The problems returned Thursday.

Milwaukee entered the ninth trailing 4-2 before Joey Ortiz and David Hamilton delivered consecutive one-out singles. Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell followed with RBI hits to tie the game.

Roberts eventually removed Diaz after he recorded the second out. Alex Vesia entered and surrendered the go-ahead single to Jake Bauers.

Diaz acknowledged afterward that his fastball command had failed him.

“I was throwing my fastball right in the middle,” Diaz said in the report. “When you miss in the middle, you pay.”

Dave Roberts sees no obvious replacement at closer

The Dodgers do have alternatives, but each presents a complication.

Tanner Scott handled closing duties while Diaz was sidelined and has been significantly more effective this season. Baseball-Reference currently credits Scott with a 2.32 ERA and 16 saves.

Los Angeles, however, prefers using Scott more flexibly in high-leverage situations rather than restricting him to the ninth inning.

Other possibilities include Vesia, Evan Phillips, and Edgardo Henriquez, but none has separated himself enough to force Roberts’ hand. Roberts also dismissed a closer-by-committee approach unless the rest of the bullpen begins pitching more consistently.

The manager appears equally concerned about disrupting Diaz’s routine after years of working almost exclusively as a closer.

“It’s just not that easy when a guy’s done it for seven, eight years, whatever it is, to change routines,” Roberts said, according to the report from Gonzalez. “Part of my job is to give him the best opportunity to prepare and have success, and then it goes to the player to kind of go out there and do their job.”

That patience carries risk.

Los Angeles remains comfortably positioned in the NL West, but the Dodgers are also fighting for one of the National League’s top two records and the accompanying first-round playoff bye. Every late-inning collapse becomes more costly as that race tightens.

The bullpen as a whole has also struggled recently, making Diaz’s inability to stabilize the ninth even more significant.

For now, Roberts is betting on the track record over recent results.

Diaz has spent years establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. The Dodgers signed him expecting that version of the right-hander to anchor the final inning of another postseason run.

They have yet to see it consistently.

Roberts is allowing him more time to find it.

Thanks for reading OutOfSightSports. Follow @OOSSports across social media for the latest sports news, analysis, and viral moments. Then check out the latest episode of the OutOfSightSports YouTube series, where we highlight five of the worst sports trades since the turn of the century.

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Dodgers reach historic low with four-game losing skid not seen since 1936

Dodgers Max Muncy and Giants Luis Arráez

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially entered territory the franchise has not seen in nearly a century.

Following another frustrating loss Tuesday night, the Dodgers completed a four-game skid in which every defeat came by at least four runs, marking the first time that has happened to the franchise since July 1936 during the Brooklyn Dodgers era.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale highlighted the historic low on X, formerly Twitter, crediting researcher Jessica Brand for uncovering a startling statistic few would associate with the back-to-back, defending World Series champions.

“The Dodgers have now lost 4 games in a row by 4 or more runs. The last time it happened? It was 90 years ago, back in July, 1936, per @JessicaDBrand“

Dodgers endure brutal home stand

The streak unfolded entirely at Dodger Stadium and quickly spiraled into one of the ugliest stretches of baseball the organization has experienced in decades.

The Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants outscored Los Angeles 29-9 across all four contests, as Los Angeles lost consecutive games to them.

May 9 vs. Braves

The Dodgers opened the skid with a 7-2 loss as Blake Snell struggled early and Atlanta quickly built a large lead. Los Angeles managed just six hits while the offense once again stalled for long stretches.

May 10 vs. Braves

Another 7-2 loss followed the next night. Atlanta starter Bryce Elder controlled the game, while Mauricio Dubón delivered a crushing three-run double that widened the gap.

May 11 vs. Giants

The series against San Francisco only deepened the frustration. The Giants handed the Dodgers a 9-3 loss after erupting late behind a homer from Rafael Devers and multiple insurance runs in the final innings.

May 12 vs. Giants

Tuesday’s 6-2 loss officially cemented the historic streak. Yoshinobu Yamamoto surrendered two home runs to Eric Haase while Shohei Ohtani snapped his homer drought with a solo shot that ultimately provided little momentum.

Offensive struggles becoming major concern

The most alarming part of the skid may be the Dodgers’ offensive inconsistency.

Los Angeles scored only two runs in three of the four games and failed repeatedly in key situational moments. Even when traffic reached the bases, the lineup struggled to capitalize.

Ohtani’s recent slump became a major topic of discussion throughout the homestand, while the lineup overall failed to generate sustained pressure despite its star power.

Historic comparison adds weight

The last Dodgers team to endure a four-game streak of losses by four or more runs came in July 1936, when the franchise still played in Brooklyn under manager Casey Stengel.

That club finished 67-87 and remains remembered as one of the weaker eras in franchise history.

For a modern Dodgers team carrying championship expectations, a massive payroll, and one of baseball’s most talented rosters, the comparison lands heavily.

Pressure mounting in NL West race

The timing also creates additional concern in the standings. (Updated following 5/12/26’s games.)*

The Dodgers entered the stretch firmly in the National League West race, but the skid allowed division rivals to gain ground while simultaneously boosting San Francisco’s momentum.

Questions are now surfacing about lineup adjustments, bullpen consistency, and whether the current offensive issues are simply a temporary cold stretch or the sign of something deeper.

What comes next

No team in baseball possess the talent ceiling the Dodgers still have.

But historic stretches like these do not happen accidentally, especially for contenders built around superstars and championship expectations.

For now, the Dodgers are attached to a statistic that traces all the way back to 1936—a reality nobody around Chavez Ravine expected entering this season.

The next few weeks could determine whether the outcome from the sluggish stretch becomes a brief stumble or turns into a defining turning point for the 2026 Dodgers.

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This stat shows how absurd Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance has become

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4/8/2026

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Shohei Ohtani 4/8/2026

While Shohei Ohtani has achieved numerous impressive statistics throughout his career, one particular statistic may more accurately reflect his two-way dominance than any highlight reel. According to Underdog MLB on X, formerly Twitter, MLB’s longest active on-base streak is 42 games, and the longest active scoreless innings streak among starting pitchers is 22.2 innings — and Ohtani holds both, underscoring just how dominant he is as a true two-way superstar.

What makes this particular milestone so absurd is that Ohtani is doing both at once. While other stars fight just to stay hot in one phase of the game, he leads all of MLB in two of the most demanding streak categories at the same time: getting on base more consistently than anyone and preventing runs better than any other active starter. It’s the clearest possible illustration of why his two-way profile is unlike anything baseball has seen in the modern era.

The timing of the post adds another layer to the story. It went up on the morning of April 8, 2026, right in the thick of the 2026 MLB regular season. That means this isn’t a cherry-picked sample from a soft September schedule or a small early-season blip. These streaks are unfolding in real time, against fully locked-in lineups, as the Los Angeles Dodgers lean on Ohtani to be both a middle-of-the-order bat and a top-of-the-rotation arm.

A 42-game on-base streak solidifies a hitter’s position among the elite in the game. Reaching base in that many straight contests demands more than just power; it takes plate discipline, consistency, and the ability to adjust as pitchers change their game plans day after day. At the same time, a 22.2-inning scoreless streak as a starting pitcher is ace-level production, requiring outing after outing of shutting lineups down, navigating traffic, and executing pitches with almost no margin for error.

Visually, the post makes the narrative impossible to ignore. Seeing Ohtani side-by-side in both roles—one frame as a feared slugger, the other as an overpowering starter—reinforces the idea that this is not just about stats on a page. It is about one player carrying responsibilities that usually belong to two different superstars, then outperforming everyone in both lanes; the numbers in the graphic do the talking, and they back up every bit of hype around his two-way legend.

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Dodgers predicted to move on from $17 million outfielder this offseason

Dodgers Predicted to Move On From $17 Million Outfielder This Offseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers appear ready to move on from a high-priced outfield experiment.

Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, who signed a one-year, $17 million deal this past offseason, may be playing his final months in Dodger blue. According to FanSided’s Katrina Stebbins, the organization is expected to part ways with Conforto after the 2025 season concludes.

Trade Deadline Move Signals Direction

The Dodgers acquired Alex Call from the Washington Nationals at the deadline—an under-the-radar move with major implications. Call is now projected to be the team’s everyday left fielder moving forward, which not only pushes Conforto further down the depth chart but also reflects the team’s waning confidence in the veteran slugger.

“Conforto was probably breathing the deepest sigh of relief of anyone in baseball when the Dodgers didn’t trade for a superstar outfielder at the deadline,” Stebbins wrote.

“But he fits more into the profile of a fourth outfielder… and even that might be generous right now.”

Harsh Reality for Conforto

Conforto’s 2025 campaign has fallen far below expectations. While exact stats were not listed, his production has reportedly been underwhelming enough to make even a qualifying offer seem out of reach this offseason.

“Unless he turns into the best player in baseball in the last two months, letting Conforto walk again in free agency will be the easiest thing in the world for the Dodgers,” Stebbins added. “Even if he was eligible for a qualifying offer, it wouldn’t be extended.”

Market Value Sliding

Conforto’s projected free-agent value is declining fast. According to Spotrac, he’s currently tracking toward a one-year deal worth just $4.7 million—down significantly from the contract he received entering 2025.

The only way to reverse that narrative? A strong finish to the regular season and meaningful contributions in the postseason.

Alex Call’s Role Moving Forward

While Call may not be viewed as a long-term cornerstone, he appears to be a safer, more versatile option in the near term. His ability to play all three outfield spots and contribute defensively has helped him quickly earn trust in Los Angeles.

On a contending roster loaded with All-Stars, Call doesn’t need to be a superstar—he just needs to be solid. That, right now, is more than can be said for Conforto.

Looking Ahead

With the Dodgers eyeing another deep playoff run, the spotlight will be on Conforto to prove his value down the stretch. But unless he turns things around fast, his time in Los Angeles may end quietly—and without a return offer.

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Dodgers reliever exits last night’s game with arm pain

Veteran reliever Tanner Scott exited Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins in the top of the ninth inning after experiencing pain in his left pitching arm. The incident occurred with one out while Scott was facing Minnesota catcher Ryan Jeffers.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a brief update postgame.“He said it felt like a sting,” Roberts told MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.

“The X-ray and some of the initial manual tests didn’t show anything serious, but we’re being cautious.”

Scott is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury. Roberts hinted that the left-hander is likely headed to the injured list, regardless of the results.“Hopefully it’s something that’s more of a scare and then we can kind of put him on ice for a little bit and get him back,” Roberts added.

Scott, 31, has been the Dodgers’ primary closer this season. He owns a subpar 1-2 record with a 4.14 ERA and a team-leading 19 saves in 2025. He gave up a run and issued two walks on 22 pitches across two-thirds of an inning before leaving the mound.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has already endured multiple injuries this season. If the Dodgers closer misses extended time, manager Dave Roberts and the front office will need to consider internal promotions or explore the trade market as the MLB trade deadline nears.

Stay tuned for updates on Scott’s MRI results and the Dodgers’ next move as they navigate another potential bullpen setback.

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