Editorials

Dodgers News: Don Mattingly Understands Mat Latos’ Frustrations

Denis Poroy-Getty Images
Denis Poroy-Getty Images

The opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers four-game series against the San Diego Padres didn’t start of the right foot. After coming from behind and taking a comfortable lead, the Dodgers surrendered six consecutive runs that led to a 10-7 loss.

Mat Latos started the game for the Dodgers, but was pulled after just four innings as he was pinch hit for in the fifth. During the outing, Latos allowed four runs on eight hits. The outing was another with the Dodgers in which Latos failed to toss at least five innings.



After expressing his frustrations with being on what he called a quick leash, the 27-year-old pitcher met up with manager Don Mattingly to clear the air.

According to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, Mattingly understood Latos’ frustration, but said waiting for his right-hander to find a groove isn’t necessarily a luxury the club has at this point:

I don’t mind guys wanting to be out there, but like any other day, I was trying to win a game at that point,” Mattingly said. I understand what he’s saying. For him to get rhythm, the more he pitches, probably the better he’ll be. But there’s a time luxury right now that we don’t have.”

Mattingly added a decision on whether Latos will be removed from the starting rotation hasn’t yet been reached:

There’s a lot of factors, not just Bols, which way we go, even matchups with different teams.”

Mike Bolsinger, who many figure considered as a replacement if Latos is dropped, had success earlier in the season. Bolsinger made a spot start Friday to provide those in the rotation with extra rest and earned the win despite giving up two home runs and allowing the Padres to score three runs over five innings.

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Staff Writer

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