Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Muncy, Kershaw, Buehler, Roberts

The Dodgers lost the final game of four against the Cubs on Thursday, June 28, by a score of 11-5, a lopsided affair. The team struggled during the game but more than the players, Dave Roberts’ managerial struggles persisted and cost the team the game.

Max Muncy was one of the lone bright spots on Thursday, blasting his 17th home run of the season and boosting his OPS to a National League-best, 1.025. Muncy has been the story to follow this year after being called up from Triple-A early in the season due to a slew of injuries and his hot minor league bat. The first and third baseman did not skip a beat upon joining the big league club and the rest has been history. On the season, Muncy is hitting .266 with 17 home runs, and 35 RBIs. At this pace, Muncy will have a season to remember and one that has really done a great deal in keeping the Dodgers afloat.

Other notes….

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• Clayton Kershaw had another nice outing since returning from the disabled list but this time, it was shortened by poor managing from Dave Roberts. Kershaw went just five innings in which he struck out seven and surrendered four hits and a run. When he was pulled, Kershaw had thrown just 68 pitches. The ace of staff joined many fans in frustration with Roberts decision making in a post-game press conference where he publically shared his distaste with the decision. Kershaw said, “I feel like I have proven that I am healthy” when asked about his outing.

• Dave Roberts’ cold streak of poor management seemed to be the headline of three of the last four games where the third year manager has struggled greatly to make the right decisions in the game. In games one, two, and four of the Cubs series, where all poor showings from Roberts as he pulled his started at least one inning too soon. Stripling was pulled in the fifth despite pitching very well, Maeda was pulled after seven innings even though he threw a masterpiece and Kershaw, the man who insists he is in good health, pitched a solid five innings. Roberts will need to shape up and soon.

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• Walker Buehler made his return to baseball action and Thursday and did so out of the bullpen. The move felt premature and ignorant, to say the least, and that sentiment was backed up emphatically by Buehler’s stat line. In one inning, Buehler allowed five hits, five runs, and a walk. The outing went so poorly he was not able to record an out in what was supposed to be his second innings of work. The Dodgers need to break the chain of avoiding rehab and this was proof of why not.