""For me, you're just trying to find dependable players. And that's where we're at," Roberts said. "These are all meaningful games on the margins. Everything matters. And there's a lot of things you can look at tonight on the run prevention side that we just weren't good at. As you start playing important games - and these are important games - they show themselves. They always find a way to show themselves.""
"Injuries have caused a chain reaction with the ballclub at several positions. Roberts has been forced to cobble together lineups with less-than-ideal combination to account for the injured athletes. The two biggest injuries from an impact standpoint are clearly Max Muncy and Tommy Edman. Muncy's value to the team has been well chronicled. He gets on base a ton, hits for power, and has been a steadying force at third base for years."
"Edman toggles between centerfield and second base. Given the issues in the outfield defensively, his ability to get back in patrolling in center would theoretically enable Andy Pages to play right field with Teoscar Hernandez in left. Getting Edman back supremely improves the defense across the board. In this scenario, Michael Conforto would be taken out of the starting lineup. He's been struggling all year, and despite brief and hopeful moments of production, it doesn't look like he's 'got it' this season."
The Los Angeles Dodgers are struggling with inconsistency among non-star players and injuries that have forced frequent lineup changes. The team’s run prevention and defensive lapses have been exposed during important games that carry playoff and divisional implications. Absences of Max Muncy and Tommy Edman have had the largest impact, reducing on-base ability, power, and defensive versatility. Returning Edman would allow a reconfigured outfield with Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernandez and materially improve defense. Michael Conforto has struggled at the plate and may lose his starting role if performance does not improve. The club seeks more dependable contributors to sustain a divisional lead.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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