I understand the overwhelming dislike of Michael Conforto being on the LAD roster. Reportedly AF/BG tried to trade with Cleveland for Steven Kwan. They were not successful. Maybe they spent too much time on Kwan and the Padres were able to swoop in on Ramón Laureano. Or maybe Baltimore only wanted to trade Laureano if the team also took Ryan O’Hearn. We do not know what happened. But if you can find room for Buddy Kennedy, you can certainly find room for O’Hearn. If only for the bench, I would much prefer O’Hearn to Conforto.
Michael Conforto splits:
1st half wRC+: 79
2nd half wRC+: 751st half OPS: 620
2nd half OPS: 613He’s been even worse in the second half, Dodgers clearly don’t care.
— Klein25 (@Klein25) August 21, 2025
The trading deadline is over, but that is not the only way the Dodgers can pick up a better LF than Conforto for September and October. In Major League Baseball (MLB), waivers allow teams to claim players off waivers. Here’s how the process works:
- When a player is placed on waivers, the other 29 teams have the opportunity to claim him. The claiming team assumes responsibility for the player’s remaining salary.
- The waiver order is determined by reverse winning percentage, meaning teams with the worst records get the first chance to claim players.
- If a player is unclaimed, they become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.
- If a player is claimed, they are placed on the new team’s 40-man roster, and the original team must clear their roster spots.
- Outright waivers are irrevocable, meaning once a player is claimed, they cannot be pulled back off waivers.
Jake Fraley was claimed off waivers by Atlanta. He did not pass thru waivers to become a free agent. Atlanta had the chance to select Fraley off waivers before the Dodgers. Fraley was DFA’d on August 15. At the time, Atlanta had a winning % of .443 and the Dodgers had a winning % of .566. There were 4 teams behind LAD had the Dodgers passed. I do not remember which one, maybe it was Clutch Sports, or SI, or Dodgers Way, or…that reported the Dodgers blew it by not picking up Fraley off waivers. So, to say that LAD missed out on picking up Fraley off waivers seems to be off the mark. If they had passed on Fraley and he became a free agent, then maybe they would have a point. Now if someone can point out where I am wrong, and the Dodgers did in fact pass on Fraley, I would love to see that notice.
It is rumored by MLBTR that Adolis Garcia and Michael A. Taylor could be placed on waivers by their respective teams. Both are superior to Conforto both offensively and especially defensively, Garcia has a +14 DRS in RF. BTW, Taylor is a +2 DRS in LF and CF, and a +4 DRS in RF. Either one puts Teo in LF. Plus, I bet both know which base to throw to.
There may be others that will pop up that will be hopeful salary dumps for the team placing the player on waivers. There is no reason for a salary to be an issue, especially this year.
And while I will never be convinced that the Dodgers could not have put together a very competitive package for Ramón Laureano, it sure looks like they are going to get their October OF surprise when Kiké Hernández is reinstated.
MiLB GAME SUMMARY REPORTS
OKC Comets 9 – Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle) 6
The Oklahoma City Comets scored three runs in the top of the first inning and led the rest of the night during a 9-6 win over the Tacoma Rainiers Thursday night.
The Comets jumped in front, 3-0, on a two-run single by Kody Hoese followed with a RBI single by Nick Senzel in the first inning. With the Comets leading, 3-1, Senzel launched a solo homer to start the fourth inning. Kiké Hernández later added a two-run single to make it 6-1.
OKC was ahead, 6-2 in the sixth inning when Luken Baker delivers a two-run double, giving the Comets their largest lead of the night. After Tacoma had the bases empty with two outs in the seventh inning, the Rainiers rallied for three runs, cutting OKC’s lead to 8-5.
José Ramos pushed the advantage back to four runs with a RBI double in the eighth inning. The Rainiers scored one run in the bottom of the eighth inning and had the bases loaded with two outs when José Rodríguez struck out Cade Marlowe to end the inning. Rodríguez retuned to the mound in the ninth inning and struck out all three batters to end the game.
The Comets have won two of the first three games against the second-half leading Rainiers. OKC has won three of the last four games overall and five of their last six road games.
Nick Senzel hit OKC’s lone home run with a solo blast in the fourth inning. He finished the game 2-for-5 with two RBI.
Esteury Ruiz had a game-high three hits and went 3-for-5 with three runs. Over his 12 games since returning to OKC from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ruiz is 18-for-46 (.391) with three home runs, one triple, three doubles, 10 RBI, 18 runs, 16 walks and 11 stolen bases…He has reached base safely in 21 consecutive games with OKC.
Kody Hoese hit a two-run single to give the Comets their first lead and has now his safely in six straight games and 15 of his last 16 games. Hoese also has three straight multi-RBI games, tallying seven RBI during that time.
Hyeseong Kim opened a Major League Rehab assignment by going 2-for-3 with one run scored. He played five innings in left field — his first game in left field at any level this season.
#Dodgers Hyeseong Kim's first at bat is an infield single into right field. #LetsGoDodgers #dodgersbaseball #ladodgers pic.twitter.com/k6AIPT5aQs
— Dodgers_After_Duty (@msalas24) August 22, 2025
#Dodgers Hyeseong Kim fights one off for his second single of the night that loads the bases with one out. #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/pOx6RHNIeP
— Dodgers_After_Duty (@msalas24) August 22, 2025
Kiké Hernández continued his Major League Rehab Assignment in his second game with OKC. He went 2-for-3 with two RBI and played five innings in center field. Hernández is 4-for-6 with three RBI over his first two games on the rehab assignment.
Kiké brings across ✌️! pic.twitter.com/RGHVglRmR0
— Oklahoma City Comets (@OKC_comets) August 22, 2025
#Dodgers Kiki Hernadez playing CF tonight. Kiki puts one up the middle to lead off the top of the third. #LetsGoDodgers #ladodgers #dodgersbaseball pic.twitter.com/OkjaJbBJ60
— Dodgers_After_Duty (@msalas24) August 22, 2025
The Dodgers are getting some BIG bullpen reinforcements during their series vs the Padres in Petco Park this weekend.
Tanner Scott will return on Friday.
Kirby Yates will return on Saturday.
This is going to be fun 🍿 pic.twitter.com/XClquyE4Rp
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 21, 2025
Tulsa Drillers 10 – NW Arkansas Naturals (KC) 0
The Tulsa Drillers have won over 60 percent of their games this season when scoring five or more runs. That winning trend continued on Thursday night as the Drillers totaled 10 runs on 11 hits and 12 walks and posted a 10-0 shutout victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
The big offensive night was complemented by a stellar start on the mound from Patrick Copen. The West Virginia native picked up his first Double-A win by pitching 5.2 scoreless innings to help lead the Drillers to their tenth shutout victory of the year.
Tulsa also gained ground in the Texas League North Division second-half playoff race with the win. The Drillers are now one game back of first-place Springfield as the Cardinals fell to Arkansas on Thursday. The win also increased Tulsa’s lead to five games over the Naturals, who are tied with Arkansas and Wichita for third place in the second half.
The Drillers can gain a playoff berth by winning the second-half division title or by finishing in second place to the Cardinals, who won the first half.
Tulsa gave Copen an early lead by scoring in the first inning. Zach Ehrhard began the game with a single and scored with two outs when Chris Newell tripled to right field.
The Drillers added three more runs by recording five singles in the fourth inning with Kole Myers, Eduardo Guerrero and Ehrhard each driving in a run.
Tulsa scored again in the fifth when Griffin Lockwood-Powell led off the inning with a walk. After he had advanced to second base on a wild pitch, he scored on Taylor Young’s single, upping the Drillers lead to 5-0.
Another three runs scored in the seventh thanks to four walks and James Tibbs III’s two-RBI single, increasing the margin to eight runs.
Ehrhard drove in the Drillers final runs of the night with his two-run ninth-inning homer.
Tulsa is 36-14 this season when scoring five or more runs. The Drillers have reached that mark in 10 of their last 15 games.
Copen has now struck out 142 hitters across High-A and Double-A this season, which is tied for the fourth most in all of Minor League Baseball.
Jeisson Cabrera and Jorge Benitez also pitched in the game to complete the shutout. Cabrera pitched 2.1 innings following Copen and did not allow a hit while striking out two. Benitez followed by tossing a scoreless ninth with one strikeout.
Ehrhard reached base four times in six plate appearances. He earned three hits, including his 2nd HR, drove in four runs, scored two runs and drew a walk. He also stole two bases and now has 26 steals for the season against only 3 caught stealing. Don’t look now Zach Ehrhard has a chance to be a 5th OF to jump into the top 100 next pre-season.
Newell’s first-inning triple increased his on-base streak to 32 straight games. The streak is the second-longest in the Texas League, trailing teammate Lockwood-Powell, who had a 36-game streak earlier this season.
Eduardo Guerrero’s RBI single in the third inning was his first Double-A hit.
Young stole his 34th base on Thursday, which is the third most in the Texas League.
Peter Heubeck takes the mound in Friday’s game.
- Zach Ehrhard – 3-5, 1 BB, 2 runs, 4 RBI, HR (2)
- Taylor Young – 2-6, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Eduardo Guerrero – 2-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, 1 RBI
- Triple – Chris Newell (2)
Great Lakes Loons 7 – Quad Cities River Bandits (KC) 1
Just 1 game back!
🟢 Jake Gelof: 2 2B, BB, 2 RBI, 3 R
🟢 Maddux Bruns: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 8 SO
🟢 Joe Vetrano: 2B, BB, RBI, 2 R pic.twitter.com/MoPyzqEUJv— Great Lakes Loons (@greatlakesloons) August 22, 2025
The Great Lakes Loons limited the Quad Cities River Bandits to one run for the second straight night, a 7-1 Loons.
Loons starter Maddux Bruns struck out eight, a season-best over his 4.2 innings. After a double, sac bunt, and error started the outing, Bruns retired 14 of the next 18. Quad Cities’ run tallied in the first came unearned.
Great Lakes quickly took the lead with a two-run second inning. River Bandits starter Emmanuel Reyes walked three. Kendall George, with the bases loaded, provided an RBI infield single. Josue De Paula walked with the bases loaded.
The Loons tacked on two in the middle innings. De Paula’s second RBI came on a sac fly to right field. It scored Joe Vetrano, who started the inning, reaching on an error. Vetrano plated the fourth Great Lakes run, with a two-out RBI double up the left field line. Jake Gelof doubled ahead of Vetrano against Quad Cities reliever Mauricio Veliz.
The baton passing on offense extended into the seventh. Jake Gelof roped a two-run RBI double, plating Zyhir Hope and Logan Wagner, who each walked aboard. Gelof was plated on a balk. In that ensuing at-bat, River Bandits catcher Canyon Brown was ejected during a mound visit. Later on, manager Jesus Azuaje and a ball boy were also tossed by home plate umpire Richy Arredonde.
Joseilyn Gonzalez earned the win, inheriting two runners in the fifth inning and completing the inning with a groundout.
Reynaldo Yean, Myles Caba and Christian Ruebeck all had a scoreless frame. Yean and Caba punched out two, while Ruebeck struck out the side.
After a split in the Lake County-Fort Wayne doubleheader, the Loons are now 0.5 games back of the Captains. Great Lakes have 15 games remaining.
- Jake Gelof – 2-4, 1 BB, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 doubles (19)
- Joe Vetrano – 2-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, 1 RBI, double (17)
- Triple – Frank Rodriguez (1)
Modesto Nuts (Seattle) 8 – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 3
The Modesto Nuts rallied for four runs in the sixth, taking the lead for good in an 8-3 victory over the Quakes on Thursday.
A two-out RBI single from Austin St. Laurent tied the game and a three-run homer from Ryan Picollo gave the Nuts the lead for good against Rancho reliever Will Maynard, giving Modesto their second win in three days in the series.
Rancho starter Marlon Nieves was sharp over five innings, allowing just one run on three hits, leaving with a 2-1 lead after five.
The Quakes grabbed the lead, thanks to run-scoring hits from Jaron Elkins and Oswaldo Osorio, both of whom finished with two hits on the night.
Modesto led 5-2 after their four-run outburst in the sixth, then piled up additional runs on the Quakes’ bullpen, as Rancho never recovered.
Rancho will send Jesus Tillero to the mound on Friday night, as he’ll take on Modesto’s Chia-Shi Shen at 6:30pm.
At this point the Dodgers should just start Alex Call in LF every night. Regardless of righty-lefty match-ups, splits etc, just send a message that “enough is enough” and Conforto sits. When Kike is back, Conforto gets DFA’d.
Will the returns of Tanner Scott, Yates, Kike, Kim, Kopech and Muncy be the late season additions the Dodgers (didn’t accomplish at the trade deadline) move them to playing quality baseball down the stretch. Lets hope so. Go Dodgers!
Health. That is the key element in the Dodgers march to a pennant. They have it, they compete. They don’t? They won’t.
I see Kim and Kiké rehabbing. Scott and Yates returning. Where are Edman, Muncy and Kopech?
Kopech is rehabbing in OKC as well. He pitched 0.1 inning to get final out last night after allowing a BB and hit. I am not sure he has pitched a decent rehab game yet. He is not eligible to come off IL until August 27.
Ehrhard looks legit
Not that it matters much, but he has my attention.
Looks like both outfielders we got for Dustin May have started out strong in AA.
And Dustin is doing well in Boston. This could be one of those win-win trades.
Wonder if they try to resign him this winter since he is a free agent. They are also considering moving Buehler to the bullpen.
Get Muncy & Dman back and we are good.
LF can be covered by Call & Keekay if Conforto struggles [lol]
2B by Freeland & Kim in a pinch
We’re rounding into form
Dodgers had Kim rehabbing in LF last night
Thanks for the education regarding the waiver wire rules. It would be strange if an outfielder better than Edman, Kike or Kim becomes available. (Interesting that Kim is getting some action in LF–perhaps another sign that the Conforto Era will end.)
One thing I don’t understand: Why Buddy Kennedy and not Nick Senzel? Was that some logistical matter concerning the 40-man roster or something? Honestly, I had never heard of Buddy Kennedy before the Dodgers picked him up. But no worries: We should have Max back soon.
Assuming good health, the Dodgers should be in fine shape for the stretch run. While I’m not worried long-term, it would be nice for Rushing to start hitting.
When I read the minor league reports, I see hope for the future.
Maddux Bruns seems to be figuring it out and might yet justify his No. 1 draft status.
And Kendall George continues to impress. Among Dodger OF prospects, he’s rated below De Paula, Hope, Sirota, Quintero and Tibbs… Dave Roberts suggests that George could be another Billy Hamilton with that speed. For the Dodgers, he’d probably be a weapon off the bench. But for some teams, he’d bat leadoff.
I don’t know what the Pads gave up for Laureano and O’Hearn. Maybe you’re right that AF missed out because he was focused on Kwan. What did the Guardians want?
I have asked the same question why Buddy Kennedy over Nick Senzel. The Dodgers had a better than Buddy Kennedy playing 3rd in OKC. Senzel has also started 17 games in LF. He can fill in at 2B and SS. He is not Kiké, but he is a better option than Buddy Kennedy, who seemingly can only play 3B.
It had nothing to do with the 40 man. Kennedy had to be added to the 40 man when he was claimed off waivers. They could have just as easily added Senzel or Ward. Instead they chose to pick up Kennedy off waivers from Toronto.
From my archives:
· Baltimore trades 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn and LF Ramón Laureano to San Diego for LHP Boston Bateman (San Diego #4 prospect, 50 FV), SS/2B Cobb Hightower (San Diego prospect #6, 45 FV), RHP Tyson Neighbors (San Diego Prospect #12, 45 FV), Victor Figueroa (San Diego prospect #29, FV 40), RHRP Tanner Smith (not on San Diego top 30 prospect list), 2B/SS/OF Brandon Butterworth (not on San Diego top 30 prospect list).
.
This is one the Dodgers could have done better had they had the time to work it out or maybe they just preferred Alex Call and did not pursue Laureano. Only LAD brain trust knows, and they are not spilling.
I do agree that Kendall George could be a Billy Hamilton type. I do not believe he will be traded as he probably has more utility as that Billy Hamilton type for LAD than what he would bring back in a trade. The one drawback is he is already in a crowded OF and it will not get easier the higher up the organization they all go. I like Kendall George. I always have. He just needs someone like Brett Butler to work with him. He is actually doing very well this year. He has a higher OPS in a more pitcher friendly league than last year in the California League. He has more walks (76) than strikeouts (72). And if he gets on base, he is a definite threat to run. He needs a good base running/stealing coach to help him cut down on CS. That undoubtedly has to do with reading the pitchers and getting a good jump. He does not need an exceptional jump, just a good one.
Nice win yesterday with some positive showings from Freeland, Call and Pages. The top of the order finally contributed some much needed offense as well.
On to San Diego.
Apparently, Yates will return on Saturday which some see as a positive. Unless, his arm injury was the reason for his poor performance so far this season, I don’t see why. Same with the Friday return of Tanner Scott. But, again, rested BP arms are welcomed right now. Let’s see how things go.
I don’t know if anyone is watching the Little League WS. You should check it out. I haven’t watched for several years. A friend of 70 years has a grandson who just missed making the Las Vegas (Mountain Region) team and with his encouragement to watch I have for the past three games. They won again last night and are facing a team from Connecticut (Metro Region) for the USA championship on Saturday at 12:30 PST (ESPN/ABC). The winner will play the international champion on Sunday at 12 PST for the LLWS title.
Vegas played Connecticut on Wed and lost a thriller of a game in the final inning. What’s fascinating is the high level of fundamentals these kids play with. The Dodgers should pay attention. I will never again say a major league team is playing like little leaguers. I could only wish. Vegas has an all around very good team. Connecticut plays defense that blows your mind. Both teams pitch well and even with that there is some good offensive output. But, it’s the defense and fundamentals that these kids play that really is impressive. Finally, the added pressure from the media attention and the microscope they play under, these kids are truly amazing. If you have the time you might want to check it out.
Carry on.
A shout out to Phil Jones. I believe he mentioned he has a surgery either today or tomorrow. Well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope they find out what’s ailing you. Take care.
Or Wednesday. Lol . Sorry Phil.🙄
Yes. Prayers going your way Phil.
thanks for asking Ted and Jeff. Yes, I had surgery on Wednesday. They took a small tumor out of my bladder. While the returns from pathology haven’t come back it is very likely malignant. Hopefully they got it all and nothing spread outside the walls of my bladder. From what I read if it hasn’t spread. Depending on the type of cancer, it is very treatable.
I’m home but the worst part right now is the catheter that will be my best friend until next Wednesday.
My spirits are good and my outlook positive. It is what it is and I will do my best.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
May divine healing light surround and protect you Phil.
Best of wishes Phil. I don’t post much anymore here or elsewhere but read everyday. The drama of fighting with so many different view points/opinions was very discouraging to be a regular poster.
Your comments align much with how I see things unfolding game to game and I wish you all the best. Take care.
Zeke
Get well soon Phil.
Get well soon my friend.
Thank you all for your concerns and best wishes. I really appreciate it.
Hey Phil, wishing you good results and a speedy recovery. I feel your pain (extreme discomfort) with regard to the catheter. I had prostate surgery in May and was walking around with a catheter for about a week before the surgery.
Almost as uncomfortable as watching the Dodgers play ball these days. 🙂
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a good outcome.
You’re a good commenter. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
With Edman, Kike Hernandez, Kim, and Muncy all due back on the roster, the Dodgers are going to need to move three position players off their major league roster. I am assuming that Kim will be on the major league roster. Dean and Kennedy are the two obvious moves. Do they DFA Conforto and keep Freeland or do they send Freeland down and keep Conforto. Freeland would look to be safe until both Edman and Muncy return. When they are all back, that will be interesting. With Hernandez able to play left field and Kim playing there on his rehab, maybe the patience with Michael Conforto is running out. Personally, if Conforto is pretty much who he has been all year, the decision is not difficult, in my opinion. Especially if Freeland is truly settling in at the plate.
For an organization that supposedly has the number 1 rated (or top 5) farm system, they use the waiver wire way too much. IMO, they need to stop claiming these horrible players off the waiver wire. Normally, there are very few if any productive players on the waiver wire, it’s normally guys like Buddy Kennedy who couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat, or was thrown into the pacific ocean.
The Dodgers have guys in the minors in OKC and Tulsa who can come up and play and do the job or at least they can’t do any worse than guys they pick up off waivers like Kennedy, or Noah Davis. If someone gets injured, just make a call to the farm, stop using the waiver wire.
For once Scott, I agree. Get what you need at the deadline and don’t rely on other teams’ castoffs. It is really time to cut Conforto. His performance yesterday was just embarrassing. Cubs are going to have a memorial for Ryne Sandberg who passed away from cancer at age 65 recently. Rangers are unveiling a statue of Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre today. Brewers are holding a celebration of life for Bob Uecker today after their game. Royals released Mark Canha.
Per Sonja Chen’s column today:
So for those who said that Mookie was selfish and was insistent on playing SS over RF, that is what Mookie says. So for those who continue to troll Mookie about being selfish and not wanting to move back to RF, I guess you will have to accept what he is saying or you are calling him a liar. Thank goodness, we only had a couple on this site who were in that category, but they are very prevalent on other sites.
This is what I was saying before, that Mookie will play wherever management asks him to play. He’s a great teammate. But if you look closely at this numbers, his offensive numbers have declined significantly since he moved to shortstop. Now I don’t know if there is a connection, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
I think that is BS. He was playing SS last year and was hitting well over .300 before his hand was broke. He moved to right because he felt it was best for the team when he returned. He was fine before he became ill in Japan.
His numbers started to decline towards the end of 2023 not long after he started playing short. Since then he has not been the same hitter. Now I don’t know if it is related, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
He only played 16 games at SS in 23. He batted .347 in the second half. He hit 39 homers that year. Your argument does not hold water since he hit .304 while playing SS in those 16 games. By the way, he did not play SS at all in the month of September. He was either playing second or RF. Rosario, Rojas and Kike played SS most of the time. He hit .445 in August and had his best month ever. Last year, the first time he was the starting SS, he hit .308 as a SS. He hit better playing SS than he did when he played RF, .273, in more AB’s, 240-161. And that was despite getting his hand broken in June. His troubles this year have nothing to do with playing SS and everything to do with his illness, his broken toe, and a lack of confidence. Check the stats, Scott. I checked every box score from September of 23. And he did not play SS once. Wherever you got that info it was wrong.
I like and wanted the offense I thought Betts would bring to SS. I was an early and consistent supporter of Betts at short.
I’m mostly with Bear in thinking it was his illness that has had him below offensive expectations but I also believe the move to short had to have an effect on his hitting. But from here on out, it won’t.
I’ll also add that he loved hitting leadoff. And, Freeman liked hitting 2nd.
Betts with +11 defensive runs saved is first in the NL in that category. I think his offense has suffered more from his illness and loss of strength than anything else, then his lack of confidence at the plate was an issue too.
Why would they move Betts to RF? He’s turned himself into an excellent SS.
I thought the Dodgers should have given him time at the beginning of the season to gain strength and fully recover. They seem to do that with pitchers. Why not a future HOFer in Betts? Lose him for 1-3 weeks or have it linger for months being subpar? A no brainer for me. Sometimes they need to protect a player from themselves.
For what it’s worth I saw a comment about 3 weeks ago from Mookie that the hand that was broken was giving him problems he even referenced his numbers after he came back last year
It was a broken toe he suffered when hit with a pitch. His hand was broken last year in June against the Royals.
I know he was talking about his broken hand not his toe
His broken hand was last year and it happened in June. So, he may well have talked about that.
Not another SS in baseball I’d rather have. Simple as that for me
I can’t help but wonder had Betts moved to second would he still have had so much difficulty with his offensive game. I never blamed him for this move, this is on management.
For those that have been around a while they will remember I wanted Seager to third and Andrelton Simmons at short. Then I wanted Lindor. Then I wanted Bogaerts. Now? Kim? I think he’s probably the best we have for that position.
Freeland is getting valuable experience, but I think he goes down when everyone gets back.
Sure hope Scott, Yates and Stewart are there and healthy for the last two months of the season.
Due to Seager’s times on the IL, I thought maybe he should move to 1st base. Oops.
The Rockies released Austin Gomber. Gomber was the main return in the Nolan Arenado trade with the Cardinals.
Its official, Sox moved Buehler to the pen. Tigers DFAd Ryan Kreidler, a utility. player. Orioles put Jordan Westburg on the IL. Orioles signed C Sammy Basallo to an 8-year 67-million-dollar extension. Guardians outrighted RHP Carlos Hernandez who went unclaimed on waivers. White Sox DFAd infielder Josh Rojas. Jays activated Shane Bieber from the IL, and he will start tonight’s game. Evan Carter, an OF for the Rangers has a fractured wrist. Match ups for Padres series. Snell V Darvish tonight. Glasnow V Cortes tomorrow. Yamamoto V Pivetta Sunday. No announcement yet on activating Scott.
Scott activated, Sauer back to AAA. Why in the world is Kennedy starting at third against a guy like Darvish? With Conforto also in the starting lineup, there are two huge holes hitting 6th and 9th.
Management is either extremely arrogant, or delusional. No other reason to put those two automatic outs in the lineup in one of the more important games of the season.
It is maddening at times. They should have called up Senzel. At least he has some experience and some power.
The only way to make sense of this is to conclude management doesn’t prioritize winning their division, but would settle for being a wildcard team. Winning games is not urgent business for them now. Sometime later on ..but not now. It’s arrogance to the max.
Yeah, Wayne, it certainly looks like there is no urgency to win games now. Instead, get to a wildcard round, have all the IL guys back and supposedly healthy and turn on the magic switch and win each round.
Otherwise, this makes zero sense to me.
Conforto hitting cleanup yesterday was just ridiculous.
Conforto and Buddy back in the lineup today. Great news!
Names floating around in the imaginsphere.
Bregman opting out of his $40M annual three year contract hoping to get more years.
Kyle Tucker looking for a huge contract as a free agent in 2025.
But what if Royce Lewis were available in a trade with the Twins. He has been injury prone and he isn’t doing much this year. I’m interested. With Ohtani owning the DH spot with the Dodgers, maybe Hernandez will be traded.
This Conforto mess reminds me of the Joey Gallow debacle in 22. It was a bad trade. All he did was hurt the team and kept playing him anyway and that postseason was the first of the two embarrassments. I’m really hoping we right the ship by DFAing Conforto this time before games count the most
The bench plus left field could be a battle between Kim, Conforto, Kike”, Edmonds, Rushing, Freeland, Rojas, plus the player(s) I forgot.
Updates on Kim Hernandez Edman and Stewart
Also David Vassegh reported on the pregame show Muncy should be ready the first of September
Snell, Glasnow, and Yamamoto need to start earning their outrageous salaries from now until the end of the World Series.
Thank you.
Conforto strikes out looking and then let’s a ball drop right in front of him. They have to be waiting until September 1 to let him go, right?
If he stays and they option Freeland, I may not finish the year.
Yup, I won’t hang around to watch the inevitable train wreck if Conforto hasn’t been DFA’d by Sept. 1.
The Dodgers must lead the league in balls hit to the outfield that land within 6 feet of outfielders who make no attempt to catch them.
If Freeland goes down it will be because the four infielders on the IL are all healthy.
Kiké, Kim, and Edman can all play OF, so I am not buying that.
If Conforto was playing LF for SD, Buddy Kennedy would have had a hit. Maybe Snell and the pitchers should go to Conforto and tell him that is how you play LF. Yes, I know they are not goint to do that, but I bet they are thinking it.
Muncy is the third baseman when he gets back which should be September 1. Kim will probably get reps at second. They could stick Edman in CF, Pages in right and move Teo to left. But the defense still would not be great. Ruiz hit another homer tonight. Ward had a triple.
I guess I am not getting your point. I recognize that Muncy will be playing 3rd. Freeland can platoon with Kim or be on the bench. I am saying that if Conforto is on the team and Freeland is optioned I am done for 2025. I am okay if Freeland gets optioned as long as Conforto is not on the roster.
Conforto is going to be on the roster the rest of the season and will likely be starting in the postseason (if they get there)
This is the management that is right now playing Buddy Kennedy….Buddy Kennedy!!! At third every day.
They are either not capable of recognizing suck, or they are delusional. Or arrogrant/stubborn. If the team is ok playing Buddy kennedy every day, why would they stop playing Conforto?
Im tempted to bring back my fire Friedman movement. If there is ever a year he deserves it, it’s this year
Congrats to Freeland on his first MLB homer, off of Darvish no less.
Not going to win many games when you have just 1 hit through the first five innings. Especially against the Padres pen.
That’s why Mookie is playing SS.
How do you go from the best hitting team in baseball in the first half of the season to one of the worst in the second half. Mind boggling. What a waste of a great performance by Snell.
Age, injuries, management deflating the other players by keeping a KNOWN huge underachiever in the lineup. ..that’s how.
Bottom of the eighth play by Mookie. Another GG play earlier in the game. Yeah, let’s move Mookie to RF. NOT!
Let’s go Dodgers!
Because nobody else on the Dodgers can play shortstop?
yup
Sac bunts work for some teams.
0 for 2 WRISP
When this team needs three hits to score 1 run they have difficulty getting it done.
6 total bases in 9 innings.
Snell with a great outing got out pitched.
Get ‘em tomorrow.
Is anybody here surprised with another pathetic loss?
I hate to say I told you so…actually I don’t know. I saw this early in the year. The pathetic pitching. Horrible defense. And now the offense sucks. Buddy Kennedy playing third every day, conforto stinking up the lineup the entire season.
Every move Friedman and Gomes made this year has been a total failure. Scott and Yates have been ineffective. Sasaki a bust. Waiver wire pickups have all been atrocious. The pathetic trade deadline, Brock Stewart, the lone pitching acquisition.
Management has been arrogant, delusional and downright stupid.
They’re not going anywhere this season, and if this happens again in 2026 Friedman and Gomes need to go. Even the most ardent optimists are finally accepting the suck in 2025.
With AF as GM the Dodgers have
but you would burn it all down? Sasaki a bust? He’s played 1/2 year of MLB. I get the feeling if you were the Dodger GM in the 1950’s you would have released Koufax claiming he was a bust as well. Maybe you’re right about Sasaki. Maybe you’re wrong. It’s way to early to tell. It’s ok to vent your frustrations but I know you know better.
Tough loss tonight. Conforto still playing annoying (both demeaned offense), but I believe he did get a walk tonight. I’d rather see Call in left. I also think Conforto is released on September 1st.
What’s your definition of “not going anywhere this season” Scott?
Do they have to win the World Series for you to admit you misjudged them?
Watching them play these days is difficult, to say the least, but I’m not giving up because they’re still tied for first and have four position players and two or three relievers who may be back within the next week or two.
Maybe I’m just more of an optimist than you are.
So you really believe those four position players are going to make a difference this year? Kike, Kim, Edman? Do you think Scott and Yates are going to suddenly morph into all-star pitchers after pitching poorly all season?
This is by far the weakest roster the Dodgers have had in thr Friedman/Roberts era. I think it’s important to recognize and acknowledge suck when we see it. The Dodgers refuse to recognize it (Conforto is batting .185 and still playing left field almost every day. He batted cleanup on Thursday. Buddy Kennedy is the third baseman on most nights. The bench consists of Dalton Rushing, Miguel Rojas, Justin Dean and Alex Call)
Yes you are definitely more of an optimist than me, and that’s ok.
Scott, yes Conforto batted cleanup. Yes, Ohtani was not in the lineup. And yet the Dodgers won 9-5. Once you saw the lineup I’m sure you felt the team would be shut out. But they won. What does that tell you? I’m sure you’ll say, well they were lucky. Why are you still complaining about a Dodger win?
Weakest lineup in the AF era? Are you serious? Dean, Freeland and Kennedy are on the team due to injuries. They will not be on the playoff roster. Kim, Hernandez and Muncy will be back. Compare those three with who was on the team in ‘24. Kim replaces Taylor. Muncy and Hernandez were both on the ‘24 team. Are you saying they should have been traded or not resigned this past offseason? Call replaces Keirmaeir. Far better hitter and is hitting.275 with splits of .253 vs RHP and .313 vs LHP. That doesn’t seem to bad. So please answer STB’s question, what will it take for you to admit you misjudged this team?
You’re talking about Thursdays game? They could not win a series against the Rockies, the worst team in the majors.
Honestly it’s hard to find anything good to say about this year’s club other that they are clinging to first place.
I said they have the weakest team in recent years, not the weakest lineup. But if you want me to get specific, and please accept my apologies for this as I know I’m coming across negative when I said I would try not to be. But I am frustrated, and a little angry. The team is unable to string together wins or consistently win series and the decisions by management this year are astonishingly bad. I’ll name some of them here in no particular order.
Nearly all of the teams offseason acquisitions have been terrible.
Their left fielder is hitting .185 with a 75 OPS+ and negative war and he continues to start every game.
The pitching has been dreadful. The club ranks at the bottom of the league in earned runs allowed, walks allowed, home runs allowed and blown saves.
The starting pitching is unable to pitch deep into games and has logged the least amount of innings in thr majors. The bullpen has logged thr most innings in thr majors, and they are consistently bad.
The defense has been shoddy at best. The Dodgers rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and regularly make mistakes in the field almost every night. The outfield defense is especially poor. They throw to the wrong bases.
The base-running is non existent. There is little to no speed in the lineup.
They’ve had an entire roster of pitcher injuries. They’ve also had a lot of position players injuries. Their starting third baseman and almost entire bench are still out.
When there are injuries the club refuses to call up prospects or players from the top rated farm system to replace those injured players instead choosing to pick up and play terrible castoff players from the waiver wire. Every one of those players have been atrocious at best. Buddy Kennedy is playing third base. They’ve acquired pitchers like Noah Davis, Ryan loutos, Alexis Diaz, Matt seour, Julian Fernandez, .
When the club desperately needed effective relievers at the trade deadline management acquired only one, Brock Stewart, a pitcher so bad he had an ERA over 8.00 in his first stint with the club. He was so bad at that time they gave him to the Blue Jay’s for nothing.
Other than Stewart, the team acquired one other MLB player at the deadline, a fourth outfielder. There were no other MLB players acquired.
They traded away their best defensive outfielder James Outman for Stewart.
None of the pitchers can consistently throw strikes. The team is often losing within the first two innings of the game.
Since the All-star break the team has hit very poorly. They regularly put sub mendoza line players (Conforto, Kennedy,) in the lineup.
Most of their best hitters (Mookie, Teo, Freddie) are having down years offensively. Mookie is having the worst year offensively of his career.
The team plays very poorly on the road. They now have a losing record on the road.
The team got swept by the Astros, Angels and Brewers, and are a combined 0-15 vs those three teams. They play poorly against above .500 teams and poorly in one-run games.
Overall the team has played very poorly all season long. It is a miracle there are even still in the playoff race, let alone still tied for first. Very little has gone right for them this year outside of Kim, Yamamoto, Snell has pitched well since his return and Smith has had a very good year.
I know it’s still possible for them to win it all this year, provided they make the playoffs, but it’s hard to believe with just 33 games left that they will all magically figure things out now. The wait until all the injured players return was perhaps their most foolish strategy.
I do appreciate you guys letting me vent here.
A lot of “if’s” have to go the Dodgers way for this year’s team to be legit title contenders by season’s end, and time is fast running out for all these “if’s” to go our way. Most of the “stars” have underachieved from past performances, and that has to change now. When all the injured players come back, most of them have to be better than what they’ve previously shown when healthy. Plus, they have to STAY healthy too. I have serious concerns some of them–like Muncy, Kopech, and Sasaki–can be around thru a playoff run.
So I’m not optimistic about this team either.
But I still have hope, I cling to that for now.
What I can barely stand presently is seeing Conforto regularly in LF. They’ve had other options for awhile, so it’s insane they keep trotting him out there to field and swing a bat. Most believe he’s gone by Sept. 1, but we shouldn’t have to endure Conforto for another 9 days anyway. So if he’s still around by then …then I’m done following the Dodgers for the rest of the season. That’s where I draw the line.
There is too much there for me to address each point so I’ll just say I do understand your frustration Scott and I think to a degree we all share that frustration.
“The wait until all the injured players return was perhaps their most foolish strategy”
I don’t find waiting for this team to play full strength a strategy, I think it’s a necessity. We still don’t know how good this team would be at full strength. I choose to believe they could beat anybody if the varsity 26 were in the lineup every day. The fact the team is in first place without so many starters is something just short of a miracle to me.
Last night there was something very good that happened. They held their rivals to 2 runs. The pitching came through. Other than Conforto, the defense played well. The offense failed miserably, but looking at the box score I see 42% of that lineup was made up of backups, a waiver wire pickup and minor league players. To expect to beat a first place club with nearly half the lineup made up of second and third string players is unrealistic.
Hang in there buddy. September we should be at full strength. If so, and the same sh*t keeps happening, then we all might join you in venting frustrations.
Plan A: Spend $500M on payroll and enjoy a romp through the regular season and playoffs.
Plan B: Spend $500M on payroll and merely spend 99% of the regular season in first place with a boatload of players on the IL and then romp through the playoffs with all of that $500M of payroll on the field.
Included with Plan A and B: Keep top prospects.
And don’t leave off Rojas. Having a fine year as a sub
Woke up kinda depressed from last nights loss and then I read Scott’s burn it all down posts and feel much better. Can’t wait for round two of the Scott Andes’ apology tour in November!
I hope that happens too Cassidy because that means they’ve won it all again. I’ll gladly do my November rounds again.
But you know whenever I do that it seems they always play better, almost as if they hear me……
My first comment this morning is this, give Darvish and the Padre pitching last night props. They had a plan, and they shut the Dodger bats down. It happens. Kudos to them on a fine performance. Next, the Dodgers are not tied with the Padres because of the loss last night. They are tied with the Padres because since July 3rd they managed to lose a 9-game lead in the division. Five games of that lead was lost during a 7-game losing streak that saw them swept by Houston and Milwaukee and then losing one to the Giants. They are where they are because of injuries to key players, bad slumps by players like Freddie, Mookie, Shohei, Teo and the season long funk of a bad free agent signing in Conforto. Unlike the Padres who got seven new players at the deadline, LA settled for two, neither one a difference maker. Health has been an issue for this team the last several years. Last season they managed to survive the injuries and hold on before winning the division the last week of the season. The Padres owned the Dodgers last season. This year, so far, it has been the other way around. Unfortunately, things like this happen and fans get visibly frustrated and upset. I have seen this kind of dog and pony show way too many times to be upset about it. They still have time to play better. The best-case scenario is get into the playoffs healthy. We all believe the front office blew the trade deadline by not adding at least an impact bat, and a solid back end of the pen reliever. Winning back-to-back pennants is not that easy. Back-to-back World Championships are even harder. I am at the age where I try to enjoy the game I have always loved. I am happy that for so many years my team has been competitive and had a shot almost every year. I remember too many years when September rolled around, and my thoughts turned to USC football. Just imagine how Brooklyn fans felt in 1951 when they blew a 13.5 game cushion between August and the end of the season, only to lose a three-game playoff when leading game three in the ninth. Or how we felt in 1962 when they had a 4-game lead with 7 to play. If this team plays up to its talent level, they are very good. When they don’t, they lose.
Agree with Badger and Bear regarding Scott’s frustration. I do understand the frustration, Scott. I don’t think this is the weakest team they have fielded in years. But, I do think this team has underachieved to this point, more than any team the Dodgers have had in the Friedman years. Certainly, some of that is on the front office. I am certain Friedman would acknowledge that. The Padres pick up Sheets on a minor league deal and the Orioles got O’Hearn on a minor league deal. Both have drastically outperformed Conforto. But, you are not going to hit on 100% of your choices. I share your frustration with the Dodgers surfing the waiver wire for bullpen arms and depth in positional players. I have long thought they have been late in turning starters into relievers to help the Major League club and there has been a dearth of positional player depth at the minor league level for years. I disagree with most who think Ryan Ward should get a shot and would be better than Conforto. Every MLB team could have picked him in the Rule 5 draft for free and no one did. No matter what any of us think about this front office, they have 2 (and would argue rightfully should have 3) titles in 10 years. They are the winningest team in baseball during that stretch and have a farm system that should form the core of future Dodger teams starting in 2027 or 2028. No front office is perfect but the decisions they make are based on a lot more information than any of us have or are privy to. There is certainly a randomness in projecting future athletic performance.
But, the stats you cited concerning the starting pitching were misleading. Since they have returned Snell and Glasnow to the rotation, they have averaged 6 innings a start if you discount Ohtani, who is limited to five innings at the moment. It is certainly within reason that Muncy and Edelman come back and lengthen this line up while Kim and Kike provide depth that is better than Dean and Kennedy. It is just as possible that Scott and Yates return (and Kopech and Stewart) and this bullpen solidifies by mid-September. Most likely, we land somewhere between your pessimism and my optimism. In which case, they are still better than they are now.
It is frustrating to watch this team run the bases, play outfield defense, and execute at times. I share that. I also share your frustration with their lack of athletic ability. I think that emphasis on athleticism is changing however, as evidenced by their recent drafts and IFA signings. They have a lot of athleticism at low A and high A.
Chances are they will not win the World Series. That is true for every team in baseball. But, in my opinion, it is way too early to throw dirt on them and certainly an overreaction to talk about firing Friedman and Gomes. Your post listed some compelling reasons for concern, through. But as a fan I like the idea that there will be meaningful September baseball.
I too am frustrated with a large number of things and I have pointed them out along with other folks here. You make good points Scott.
But all that aside, last nights game was a good baseball game. Sorry we lost, hats off to Padres pitching.
Play better.
Well said Bear.
My only suggestion?
¶
Okay, what is it????
Pilcrow
¶
I think Badger is suggesting paragraph breaks in long postings.
Okie dokey.
Once the Dodgers lost the lead I went to bed. Snell pitched very well but the walk to Tatis and his inability to get O’Hearn and Sheets the 2 lefties out was the game.
I was fairly certain our offense would not score and they didn’t. When you have to put Rushing up in a key spot you know you are in trouble. Unfortunately, he usually strikes out but hit into a DP.
Conforto not only kills us at the plate but his inability to catch a flyball contributed to the loss. I lay this on our chess players. Call is available and is obviously a better option than Conforto. What team in the majors would play a guy who has hit below .200 all year?
this whole year has been ugly. There was a point last year where we didn’t have pitching and a skeleton lineup. After the break we got it together. Our best players were awful for 2 months giving the pads an opening. Preller took advantage. The pads are a better team currently. I do hold the players responsible, but AF and Roberts are doing their part to see we lose the division.
I do not blame Roberts at all. He has to play the hand he is dealt, and right now, his hold cards are weak. Conforto has been a huge mistake. He showed some life for a short time last month but has sunk faster than the Bismarck the last couple of weeks. AF stuck to his plan of not wanting to have to trade for a major talent at the deadline. This time it might bite him on the ass. Only time will tell.
I do blame Doc..He is either fine putting Conforto’s name in the line up every day or he is being instructed to do so against his better judgement..
In that case he needs to grow a pair and strongly disagree with the orders. I really can’t imagine he is being instructed to play Conforto or else.
Just say NO.
There is NOBODY with the exception of Conforto’s parents who would perhaps disagree. Why wait 9 days?
You know that is not happening. He sits Conforto against LHP< and he will sit tonight with Cortes going. He really has no other options. Blame that on AF for keeping Conforto. Doc has little to no say about roster construction. Having a pair of Huevos means nothing in this day and age.
Call should start everyday and Conforto should be shown the door.
Call is OPSing .731 against righties.
Conforto is OPSing ..591 against righties.
Even if Call doesn’t hit a lick, it improves the team with better defense.
At this point I play Call. Put Conforto on the fraternity list.
Supposedly Kike will be back next week.
Yates activated, Snell to paternity list.
For those who think Friedman doesn’t know what he’s doing, this is incredibly smart strategy.
Bullpen is overtaxed so he moves a starter who won’t be needed for almost a week to the paternity list.
And he planned this 9 months ago.
😂
🤔
For years we have been the best team entering into the October crapshoot.
Not so this year.
This year we are the crap in crapshoot.
Maybe the Dodgers are just bored and this is just a different approach to a WS title.
Works for me!
Its not October yet, Not even Sept
Turn out the lights. Glasnow healthy but like the rest of the staff cannot throw strikes. Mb no hit tonight. Try em again tomorrow.
So painful to watch. Can’t hit, can’t pitch, superstars getting old right before our eyes with a lot of time left on their contracts and a complacent FO with no trade deadline acquisitions of significance.
Realize you can’t win the WS every year, but to this point the team looks listless and unmotivated.
I’ll check when I wake-up and hope for a Dodger win, but not too hopeful right about now.
Could there be another owner/GM/President as eager to sign Glasnow to a $136M contract that would also want him for the next four years? Mets? Texas? Yankees? I’m not hoping to get much in return.
Do you need any more proof that you’re the crap in crapshoot when Nasty Nestor shuts you down! Now will the crap even make the crapshoot?
RSV needs to be gone like ASAP
Smith is done. Stick a fork in him
What pure bullshit. He was the only one doing anything through July, now he is in a slump, and you say that crap? Get real.
The whole Dodger lineup is Done stick a fork and all 9 of the batters
Steven Nelson and Rick Monday are roasting the team on radio. Among other things they have said this team is so annoying to watch. They could only spilt with the worst team in baseball. Another putrid performance in a big game. Different pitcher same result no hits. They were having Nelson read a promo with the Padres up and he said have him read it when the Dodgers are up nothing is happening then.
Kinda of cool hearing them not sugar coating anything.
More fun from Nelson
https://vxbsky.app/profile/stephennelson.bsky.social/post/3lx4i43vwn224
Nelson not giving a damn and speaking the truth
https://vxbsky.app/profile/stephennelson.bsky.social/post/3lx4ilmct2224
If I didn’t know better, and I don’t, it almost seems as though someone has told Nelson he won’t be back next year so he has no reason to hold back.
I’m not comparing Freeland to Seager. But his swing on the 2 home runs reminds me of Seager’s swing.
I thought the exact same thing. It reminded me of a Seager HR.
Pinch hitting conforto there was the stupidest most robotic move.
I’m convinced Conforto has incriminating pics of Doc and Friedman
Good nite. Will try to watch again Sunday
Davalan off to a hot start at Rancho
https://fxtwitter.com/mlbpipeline/status/1959445353264189559?s=46&t=KS6Nb7lXjk-hogcRqAP6hw
I have been holding on for Conforto to turn it around but I’ve finally given up hope for him. AF needs to cut Conforto and Kennedy tonight. He needs to call up Senzel and Ward. I would send out an outfield of Ward, Call and Dean. Rushing would catch and Senzel at third with Freeland at 2B. Teoscar, Rojas, Pages and Smith can grab some pine until they figure out how to hit again. I know I’m just frustrated as are many on this board however there seems to be no consequences for crappy play. Maybe a few days on the bench would instill some urgency and better performance. Pages needs to quit popping up and chasing pitches. Teaoscar can’t be as bad as he has been and Will just needs to play less and rejuvenate a little.
Don’t include Rojas in that list. He has probably been their most consistent hitter all year. Actually Conforto has been the MOST consistent. But you now what I mean.