Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Kershaw, Muncy, Urias, Trades

The Dodgers suffered a loss at the hands of the Brewers on Saturday and it was all due to lacking offense and the complete disappearance of the team’s typically good defense.

Clayton Kershaw got the loss on Saturday, July 22, but it was not due to poor pitching. In six innings, Kershaw struck out five batters, walked none, and allowed a total of four runs only one of which was earned. Kershaw’s biggest competition on Saturday was his own team’s defense as they allowed runs to score on two separate occasions, both of which were errors. His control and velocity looked very much like his healthy self and he actually looked quite dominant during the start if not for the defense’s woes. Kershaw appears to be fully healthy and the task for the Dodgers should be to just keep him that way as they head towards the playoffs. Kershaw’s season ERA dropped in his most recent start despite the loss to a 2.64 mark, a standard even acceptable to Kershaw who would tell you he expects more out of himself.

Other notes…

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• Max Muncy really struggled in the second of three games in Milwaukee both at the plate and in the field. On offense, Muncy went hitless in his four at-bats and struck out twice while leaving a total of five runners on base over the course of the game. His uncharacteristic performance was not limited to the plate as he was also responsible for two errors, both of which proved costly and allowed runs to score. Kershaw’s loss on in the box score can be chalked up as a loss for Max Muncy who had his worst game in a very long time.

• Julio Urias is nearing a return from a serious shoulder surgery he underwent last season. Urias has been training in Arizona, preparing for a comeback that should happen sometime at the beginning of August and will likely come out of the bullpen. Urias will face live hitters within the next week and shortly after that, he will pitch for one of the Dodgers minor league affiliates. Urias’s return will be a boost for the Dodgers even after they make more trades as the young lefty is just so talented. His level of talent, however, remains to be seen in game action since his operation.

Next: Dodgers: Three Biggest Disappointments of the First Half

• The Dodgers are expected to be very active on the trade market at the deadline even after making what will more than likely be their biggest move of the season, acquiring Machado. Farhan Zaidi has already told the media that the Dodgers are still shopping to make the team better and are willing to trade prospects to make that happen, even after parting with five minor leaguers in the deal with the O’s. The Dodgers will pursue bullpen help right now and could also be in the market for a starting pitcher. From the Dodgers active roster, Logan Forsythe looks like the most likely candidate to be moved before July 31.