In a series that could have been an easy sweep, the Dodgers crumbled against the Tigers. The men in Blues entered the game with a seven-game lead in the NL West. However, in Sunday’s game, Yohan Ramirez made two consecutive errors in the ninth inning. This made the Detroit Tigers re-establish their dominance and win over Dave Robert’s Dodgers by 4-3. By beating the Blue Crew, the Tigers have made their second comeback win over the NL West Leaders. 

Undoubtedly, the Dodgers are struggling in their pitching department. Even after calling Pirates Brent Honeywell for the game, things are still the same. Also, their star player, Shohei Ohtani, a two-way Maestro, has been out of the pitching action because of an elbow injury. Sharing his thoughts on the Dodger’s unexpected loss against the Baltimore Orioles, manager Dave Roberts had some crucial things to say. 

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on series loss against the Tigers

Being the manager of Los Angeles since 2016, he understands the current loss situation. Speaking with the SportsNet LA, Roberts said, “Yeah, it’s certainly a frustrating one. It’s a way to finish off the first half. Today was tough because you only have so many options and you’re trying to get the most out of guys.” Undoubtedly, the team is struggling with their pitching department. Alongside Ohtani, veterans Mookie Betts and Tyler Glasnow are also unavailable to pitch. Most importantly, another Dodger star, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is expected to return by mid-August, adding to the woes of the Dodgers’ pitching. 

Also, sharing his insights on the Dodger’s ninth innings dilemma, Dave Roberts added, “Had some opportunities, and they just crawled their way back into the game. You look at the ninth inning and you have no one left available. Hudson’s not available. No one else is available.” Perhaps by the ninth innings, the Dodgers manager had no pitcher available, who could turn the game around. To be precise, the men in blue have used 31 pitchers in the 2024 season. This is the second-highest number by team in the season, apart from Milwaukee Brewers being the first.

Eventually, with no options available, the Dodgers had to bring Yohan Ramirez into the game. He was given the job to attempt a six-out save. Though he managed somehow to navigate in the eighth innings, he surrendered to the Tigers in the ninth by giving two runs. Overall, with an unexpected series loss against the Tigers, it seems the pressure is mounting on Dave Roberts. 

Is Dave Roberts under immense pressure after the Dodgers series loss?

With the World Series around the corner, the Los Angeles Dodgers will have to start winning games before it’s too late. Though, in the NL West, the team sits at the top comfortably with a .577 winning percentage, their pitching is in adversity. The team has spent millions on Ohtani, Glasnow, along with Yamamoto.

While each of them is not available to lead the LAD’s pitching, all lies on the shoulders of Dave Roberts. Perhaps the Dodgers President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, deserves the credit of a championship, considering the star players in their team. With this, Roberts is being asked to turn the superstar roster into on-field results. 

As per Buster Olney of the Athletic, the pressure solely lies on Dave Roberts. Speaking with the Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, he said, “Is there enormous pressure on Andrew Friedman at this moment? No. They don’t win the World Series. I don’t think he has pressure. However, I do think there’s a lot of pressure on Dave Roberts.” Eventually, as a manager, one is responsible for running the team, dealing with injuries, and bringing the best out of the pack.

Therefore, Roberts must find a way to turn things around and lead the Dodgers to a series. However, despite the series of injuries, the men in Blues have still shown perennial consistency. They still have a 56-41 record, but losing six out of their last seven games has been catastrophic for a superstar side like Dodgers.

As our valuable readers, what do you think? Will the Los Angeles Dodgers make it to the World Series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.