“Mama said there’ll be days like this, there’ll be days like this, mama said.” -The Shirelles
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Most would agree that the coming All-Star break is a stroke of good luck for the Dodgers. If you have not been following the standings lately, that statement may not make sense since they are the reigning World Series Champions, after all.
However, the Boys in Blue have had a rough go of it lately; lots of ups and quite a few downs, but as is the way in life, the downs tend to stand out a little bit more.
The Dodgers are ranked second in the National League West standings with 54 wins and 35 losses after Friday night’s 5-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, ranked last in the league. Los Angeles is two games behind the San Francisco Giants and four games ahead of the San Diego Padres. The battle for the National League will be close as games play out through the summer.
Every team came off the 2020 shortened season ready to play on all fronts after the fan-less 60-game regular season last year. And the fact remains that after winning the Fall Classic, the Dodgers have a big target on their backs.
Overall, they do not have a bad record, but it is hard to remember this amidst some of the glaring setbacks. Injuries and circumstances have impaired the team since the season started.
They have suffered some stunning defeats in recent weeks. They got swept on the road by the Padres, were no-hit by the Chicago Cubs at home, almost got swept in a four-game series with the struggling Miami Marlins, and then dropped the first game at home to the last-place Diamondbacks. The frustration is almost tangible as the Dodgers attempt to claw their way back to excellence.
Add to that, many of the teams leading players have spent a stint on the Injured List since April. Outfielder and 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger and 2020 World Series MVP shortstop Corey Seager top that list. Future Hall of Fame starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is a recent addition to the IL with left elbow inflammation. The team started the season with a wealth of starting pitchers, and now they are down to Julio Urias, Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, David Price, and an assortment of bullpen arms.
At any given time, the Dodgers could boast a starting lineup just from the players out with injuries. That is the benefit of having a team with such depth. Yet, the absence of those key components can still be felt while the team is being stitched together in the interim.
As fans struggle to focus on the positives, we can all resort to our little rituals, habits, and superstitions to support the team getting back on track. Corey Seager is scheduled to return soon. Clayton Kershaw will hopefully return after some rest. Future Hall of Fame first baseman Albert Pujols is still in their fold, making everyone smile with his presence and knowledge.
Also, consider that five Dodgers have been named to the All-Star Game this year, which is the most in the National League. Third baseman Justin Turner and starting pitcher Walker Buehler were just announced as additions, with outfielder Mookie Betts opting out of the game.
“This break will definitely help me to help us,” Betts responded when asked about missing the All-Star game in favor of healing.
“It’s been a rough one. We’ve had a lot going on. So we have to try and make it here and get a reset, and hopefully, the reset works after the break,” Betts added.
When asked about the importance of being an All-Star, Justin Turner had a very humble response.
“Being able to go and represent the National League and represent the Dodgers as an All-Star is amazing, honestly. You look at the history of this organization, all the great players that come through, to be able to wear a Dodger uniform and participate in the All-Star game is something that is pretty special,” Turner said.
The season is half over, but nothing has been decided yet. The break for the All-Star Game may give the team the rest they need. With a little rest under their collective belts, the team still has the opportunity to “run it back.”
We All Bleed Blue!