Dodgers writer perfectly encapsulates paradox of LA's recent lineup rollercoaster

By many measures, the Dodgers have the best offense in baseball. They lead all 30 teams in average, slugging, and OPS. They're second in homers to the Yankees, third in RBI behind the Braves and Nationals (and tied with the Astros). Their lineup is replete with superstars with a sprinkling of young guys who have taken on the tall task of trying to stand out, and have succeeded. They lead the NL West and are tied with the Reds and Yankees for the second-best record in baseball.

But they also feel lifeless right now.

They've played middling baseball over their last 10 games — literally, going 5-5. They mustered up just three runs in their last two games against the Marlins, which both ended in losses.

Dave Roberts said after Wednesday's loss, "Some guys ... I don't think have a clear plan of what they're trying to accomplish. In another sense, guys are just kind of not where they want to be mechanically. It's a combo."

Dylan Hernández of the California Post put it bluntly: "The star-studded top of the lineup still looks to be in hibernation mode."

Dylan Hernández sums up why Dodgers' offense has been struggling despite MLB-best numbers

Shohei Ohtani is hitting .273 with a .897 OPS through his first 29 games — great numbers, by every objective account, but they pale in comparison to his .287/.949 marks through 29 games last year. He's only hit one home run in his last 16 games.

Kyle Tucker was moved down the lineup after struggling behind Ohtani in the two-spot. He's been hitting a little better batting cleanup (.261/.737) but is still looking sluggish. Freddie Freeman, who moved up into Tucker's spot, has been even worse hitting behind Ohtani. He's .182/.462 through eight games.

Will Smith is slugging just .382. Teoscar Hernández is at .398. Andy Pages has come back down to earth after his red-hot start.

Hernández points out that these Dodgers have been feast-or-famine. They hit 42 homers in their first 22 games, but just three in the games since. Dave Roberts shut down the idea that the Dodgers were too dependent on the long ball ... but that stat sort of speaks for itself.

The Dodgers will certainly be okay in the long run, when the superstars wake up or shake off these funks, but knowing that hasn't made watching this recent stretch of games any easier to watch.

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