Editorials

Dodgers-DBacks Preview: Magic Number At Four As Matt Kemp Returns

Here Are The Keys To The Series:

1. Offense:



The Dodgers need to be more consistent on offense as they only managed to score 13 runs in four games against the Giants. Although injuries have made it impossible for Don Mattingly to put together a consistent lineup, they aren’t solely to blame since the Dodgers have had trouble scoring even when healthy.

Look for Adrian Gonzalez to continue to produce, but the Dodgers will need their role players to step up to the plate and deliver. Nick Punto, Skip Schumaker and the Ellis duo have to start getting on-base consistently.

2. Starting Pitching:

The Dodgers will have their top four starters against the Diamondbacks and all season they’ve proven to be one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball. However, as of late all of them have struggled, going a combined 1-3 since September 9.

Ricky Nolasco was the last one to win a game, but he also struggled in his recent outing against the Giants. The starters need to regain their dominance and give the bullpen some rest as they’ve started to wear down also.

3. Get Healthy/Reserves Step Up:

Injuries have once again hit the Dodgers and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. While they’ve cooled off, the Dodgers still have something to play for, but the main concern is getting everyone back to 100 percent.

With all these players absent from the starting lineup, the reserves have to step up as the Dodgers need some momentum before they head into the postseason.

Prediction:

With a lot of their core players missing from the lineup, the Dodgers will need a collective effort to beat the Diamondbacks. The Dodgers will win three out of four with Clayton Kershaw, Zach Greinke,  Nolasco, and Hyun-Jin Ryu on the mound during the series.

Expect a champagne party at Chase Field as the Dodgers will clinch the NL West during the series against the Diamondbacks.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about Hanley Ramirez’s hamstring injury.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkphTuNyf6A

 

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Alex Torres

Staff writer for Dodgers Nation and excited to cover the best team in baseball. Follow him on Twitter at @uclakers38

2 Comments

  1. HOW SAD IS THIS THAT THEY COULDN’T DO IT AT HOME AND NOW THEY THINK THAT THEY ARE EXPECTING FOR THE D BACKS TO JUST ROLLOVER AND DIE YA RIGHT WHEN PIGS FLY :'(

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