The Dodgers last week beat the Mariners in two out of three games, securing a fourth consecutive series win out of the All-Star break. But then they got swept and outplayed at home by the Red Sox.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the poor weekend on Sunday, but through the lens of someone who just welcomed ace pitcher Tarik Skubal to the team.
“A day later when all these talks have been kind of building up, it’s crazy. The front office did a great job,” Roberts said Sunday night. “I don’t think I’ve
felt this good after getting swept, so that’s a silver lining, I guess.”
Batter of the week
Shohei Ohtani got a rest day Thursday while dealing with his left knee inflammation and right biceps troubles, but packed six games worth of production into five games, hitting .500 with two home runs and three doubles, extending his hit streak to six games.
Honorable mention goes to Freddie Freeman, who had 11 hits in 24 at-bats and extended his hit streak to 12 games, the longest by a Dodger this season. Freeman has 23 hits in his last 42 at-bats (.548), dating back to July 21.
Pitcher of the week
Eric Lauer might very well get traded by the 3 p.m. PT Monday trade deadline, but what he’s done so far with the Dodgers has been everything they’ve asked and more. That included six scoreless innings on Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing only three runners to reach base.
“Eric Lauer has been unbelievable for us,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said on Sunday.
Week 19 results
2-4 record
26 runs scored (4.33 per game)
31 runs allowed (5.17 per game)
.420 pythagorean win percentage
Year to date
69-43 record
572 runs scored (5.11 per game)
422 runs allowed (3.77 per game)
.636 pythagorean win percentage (71-41)
Miscellany
When a house becomes a home (run): Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy has signed four different extensions with the Dodgers, with whom is currently under contract through 2027 with a club option for 2028. It’s been a long journey for Muncy, who extended his arms on Tuesday against the Mariners for his 130th career regular season home run at Dodger Stadium, matching Eric Karros for most in the 65-year history of the ballpark. Counting postseason home runs with regular season efforts, Muncy’s 137 home runs at Dodger Stadium stands alone.
Third time’s a charm: Miguel Rojas on Friday got the start against Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez. Rather than move around other pieces in the lineup, Dave Robert penciled in Rojas batting third, the first such start for Rojas batting third in his career. That completed the batting order bingo card for Rojas, who has now started in each of the nine lineup spots in his 13-year career. His lone time batting cleanup came in 2022 with the Marlins.
Transactions
Tuesday: An oblique strain sidelined Kiké Hernández for 51 games, his second extending injured list stint this season, but he returned for the series against the Mariners. Alex Freeland was optioned after not starting in any of the previous 13 games.
Wednesday: Closer Edwin Díaz was activated three months and a week after arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment for the third time this season, and second with the Dodgers.
Friday: Reliever Brock Stewart landed on the injured list for the third time this season, this time with right shoulder discomfort. Veteran lefty Cole Irvin was called up to the Dodgers, and right-hander Chayce McDermott was designated for assignment.
Saturday: One day after eating six innings to reset the bullpen, Irvin was sacrificed to the fresh arm gods and designated for assignment. Kyle Hurt rejoined the Dodgers from Oklahoma City.
Saturday: A struggling Will Klein was placed on the injured list with elbow discomfort, and Wyatt Mills was called up.
Saturday: Barnes cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A, but elected free agency instead. But don’t worry because …
Sunday: Barnes re-signed another minor league deal with the Dodgers and rejoined Oklahoma City.
Sunday: The Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal from the Tigers in exchange for River Ryan plus minor leaguers Zyhir Hope and Brady Smith.
Game results
- Tuesday: Mariners 7, Dodgers 6
- Wednesday: Dodgers 4, Mariners 2
- Thursday: Dodgers 6, Mariners 2
- Friday: Red Sox 9, Dodgers 4
- Saturday: Red Sox 3, Dodgers 2
- Sunday: Red Sox 8, Dodgers 4
Previous reviews: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11| Week 12 | Week 13 | no reviews for Weeks 14-15 | Week 16 | Week 17 | Week 18
Up next
The trade deadline comes at 3 p.m. PT on Monday, but the Dodgers on the field will be busy a few hours later at Wrigley Field, starting the Damian Miller gauntlet on the road to face the Cubs and Diamondbacks. Tuesday’s game is on TBS in addition to SportsNet LA.
