What's Happening?
Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is urging his team to elevate their performance as they face a tight National League West race and postseason seeding implications. The Dodgers have struggled with inconsistency, particularly against teams with losing records, losing 10 of their last 14 games against such opponents. Roberts emphasized the need for players to step up, warning that those who fail to perform may see reduced playing time as the roster returns to full health. The Dodgers recently activated key players from the injured list, which could lead to increased competition for playing time.
Why It's Important?
The Dodgers' inconsistency poses a significant challenge as they aim to secure a favorable position in the playoffs. Their inability to consistently defeat weaker teams could jeopardize their chances of obtaining a top-two NL playoff seed, which would provide a crucial first-round bye. The team's performance in the coming weeks will be critical in determining their postseason prospects. Increased internal competition may drive players to improve, potentially enhancing the team's overall performance and intensity.
What's Next?
As the Dodgers' roster returns to full health, players will face increased competition for playing time. This could lead to tough decisions regarding lineup and bullpen configurations. The team is expected to activate more players from the injured list soon, further intensifying the competition. Roberts hopes that this will naturally raise the level of performance and intensity among players, helping the Dodgers to overcome their current struggles and secure a strong position in the playoffs.
