The Dodgers have spent the back half of the season living in two different worlds. The record still looks strong, the roster still flashes star power, but the offense has gone through long stretches where too many bats have gone quiet. That’s why Dave Roberts is asking for more from two familiar names: Teoscar Hernandez and Mookie Betts.
“We got to get [Teoscar Hernandez] going,” Roberts said. “I like his work; it just certainly hasn’t translated to the field consistently.
Mookie [Betts], I think that he’s in a much better spot. Certainly, when you take on some left-handers, some tough lefties, you’re going to need that production from those right-hand hitters too.”
Hernandez has been one of the clearest problem spots in the lineup all year. He’s hitting .244 with 11 home runs, 44 RBIs and an OPS of .695, and the Dodgers have been trying to shake him loose for months.
Roberts has already made it clear that if the slump keeps dragging on, Hernandez’s playing time could take a hit. That was reflected on Tuesday in the series opener against the Atlanta Braves, when Hernandez was on the bench and Alex Call got the start.
Betts has been better lately, but the Dodgers are still waiting for the version of him that can carry an offense deep into October. In August, he’s batting .247 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. For the season, he’s at .246 with 16 home runs and 46 RBIs, along with an OPS of .697.
The issue isn’t just individual production. Los Angeles leans on both hitters for run support, especially against left-handed pitching. And with several National League clubs carrying strong lefties, Roberts needs those right-handed bats to start delivering.
There is, however, some relief on the way. Catcher Will Smith is nearing a return after being out since early June with a neck injury, and his presence would give the Dodgers another dependable right-handed option in the lineup.
“It’s huge,” Roberts said. “I mean, I think he’s really hand agnostic, but just his at-bat quality behind the plate, just getting in the lineup, and certainly, yeah, you lose a right-handed bat like Andy, to have Will back in there, certainly raises our floor.”
That matters even more with All-Star Andy Pages sidelined for at least a month after fracturing his hand. Smith’s return would help soften that loss and give the Dodgers a little more stability while other hitters try to find their rhythm.
Smith had been hitting .249 with six home runs, 23 RBIs and an OPS of .720 before the injury. He has now completed his first rehab outing, going 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, and the Dodgers are hoping for a Sept. 1 return if everything stays on track.
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Dodgers Suddenly Have A Real Opening For A Ready-Now Outfield Bat
Andy Pages landing on the injured list has created an unexpected wrinkle in the Dodgers outfield picture, and it comes at a time when the group has not exactly forced the front office to stand pat. With the regular season winding down, Los Angeles suddenly has a little more room to weigh whether it wants to keep leaning on veterans or look for a bat that has been producing in Triple-A.
James Tibbs III is the prospect now in the conversation, and the appeal is pretty straightforward: he has hit well enough to look MLB-ready and could offer the kind of offensive support the Dodgers need from the outfield mix. If the Dodgers decide to make a September call-up, it would be less about patience and more about filling a real opening with a player who might be able to help right away. [Read more 🡒]
Gavin Stone Is Giving Dodgers Fans A Tough Rotation Question
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Dodgers May Have Found More Than An Outfield Stopgap In Alek Thomas
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Thomas has also looked comfortable in the minors for the Dodgers, which is just as notable for a team that values finding usable pieces without a long runway. He has credited the organizations developmental staff for helping improve his swing, and if that progress holds, this may turn out to be more than a temporary outfield stopgap. [Read more 🡒]