Dodgers fans are loving how Padres' 2023 failures could make MLB history
Let's check in on our good pals down in San Diego, shall we? The 2023 season was all about the Padres ... until it wasn't. Their trade deadline/offseason splashes the last few years set them up for a World Series run, but at 22-27, SD is eight games out of first place and just 1.5 games ahead of the last-place Colorado Rockies.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who made zero impactful additions, saw multiple All-Stars leave this past offseason, and didn't fill any voids with meaningful trades in the last year, reside in first place with the best record in the National League.
Now, this could all flip on a dime. All it'll take is for the injuries to keep mounting for the Dodgers, coupled with a nice stretch of ball from the Pads, to knock LA off the top spot. But for now, Dodgers fans would like to enjoy how bad their rivals have been.
San Diego ranks in the bottom half of MLB in the following categories through Wednesday's action:
- OPS - .699 (23rd)
- Batting Average - .223 (30th)
- RBI - 182 (23rd)
- Runs - 192 (26th)
- Strikeouts - 434 (18th)
- Stolen Bases - 29 (21st)
But worst of all, they could set an MLB record for the worst batting average with runners in scoring position when all is said and done. The Padres are hitting .184 with RISP this season, which right now is the worst of all time.
Dodgers fans are loving the Padres' early-season meltdown so far
What a bummer, especially since their pitching has been performing very well and giving the team a chance to win each and every night for the most part.
The Padres, outside of the No. 9 spot, are getting the worst production from the No. 2 hole, which is arguably the most important hitter in the lineup. Those who bat second are hitting .188 with a .612 OPS.
With RISP, the collective team is slashing .184/.287/.314. With RISP and two outs? .180/.318/.306. In high-leverage situations? .203/.301/.338. Innings 7-9? .194/.310/.305. How is this happening? The shift is gone. This lineup boasts Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Jake Cronenworth, Matt Carpenter and Ha-Seong Kim. They have four regulars batting .210 or worse.
The Padres upgraded. The rules changed to give them an advantage. They got back their suspended franchise player. They added one of the best shortstops in the game. And the results couldn't be worse.
Seems like the Dodgers letting the spotlight shine a bit brighter on San Diego by remaining quiet this offseason has done wonders so far for LA.