Dodgers' Michael Conforto Could Lose Playing Time Amid Struggles, Says Dave Roberts

"The Los Angeles Dodgers have had many moments this season where the outfield has lacked appropriate production both offensively and defensively. Specifically, Michael Conforto's .103 batting average during his first 119 games as a Dodger, along with an Outs Above Average ranking in just the seventh percentile across MLB have greatly hampered the left field position. Manager Dave Roberts spoke about how he isn't afraid to shake things up in the lineup, regardless of who is underperforming."

"Roberts also spoke on the outfielder opposite from Conforto, Teoscar Hernández, and his recent struggles that led to his benching on Sunday. Hernández struggles similarly on defense, with his Outs Above Average grading in only the second percentile, and batting .211 through the month of August. "He's an everyday guy, but I do think that where we're at, you've got to perform, too, to warrant being out there every single day, regardless, right?" Roberts said."

"Roberts clarified that the liability being carried by the entire team should be viewed as a positive. "I think that's a good thing," Roberts said. "No one is going to be exempt. No one. I just think that we've got to play the best players and that's just the way it should be, right?" "Obviously Shohei (Ohtani) is going to be playing. Mookie (Betts) is going to be playing," Roberts said."

The Dodgers' outfield has produced inconsistently this season, with clear offensive and defensive shortfalls. Michael Conforto has hit .103 in his first 119 games as a Dodger and ranks in the seventh percentile in Outs Above Average, weakening left field. Teoscar Hernández has also struggled, grading in the second percentile defensively and hitting .211 in August, which led to a benching. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized performance-based lineup decisions and universal accountability while confirming core players such as Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts will remain in the lineup. The team must improve ahead of the regular season's final month.

Read at Dodgers Nation