DN Polls: The Lineup of Dreams, The Rotation of Nightmares
Every other week, Dodgers Nation polls followers on Twitter/X to create an outlet for fans to share their opinions about the current state of the Dodgers. Ranging from the pitching staff to Dave Roberts’ decisions, one piece of the organization has consistently received the brunt of fan’s criticism.
To no surprise of any devout Dodgers fan, the glaring issue in Los Angeles is the starting rotation. More than three-quarters of voters disapprove of the Dodgers’ rotation.
Injuries have sidelined every Dodgers starting pitcher at some point this season. Rookie Gavin Stone was the last man standing. But, the Dodgers placed him on the 15-day injured list with likely season-ending right shoulder inflammation on Sept. 6.
Currently, the Dodgers are relying on Jack Flaherty, Landon Knack, Walker Buehler, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to carry them through the remainder of the season. However, Knack and Buehler have each posted ERAs over 4.70 across their last seven starts.
Despite a concerning starting rotation, many fans understand that the Dodgers have no other choice. With the passing of the trade deadline, Los Angeles will have to utilize the pitchers they have.
The struggling starting pitchers have drawn negative attention toward the front office.
Two starters in particular repeatedly received harsh criticism from fans.
The Dodgers acquired Tyler Glasnow in an offseason trade with the Tampa Bay Rays with the expectation that he would serve as the team’s ace. But, Glasnow has made two appearances on the injured list, enduring lower back tightness and now right elbow tendinitis.
Miller, who the Dodgers drafted in the first round last season, was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the second time this season. Overall this season, he posts an 8.52 ERA with a 10.45 ERA across his last seven games. Miller has not logged a single-game ERA below 5.40 since March 29.
Unlike the rotation, the bullpen has remained healthy. With only two relievers – Anthony Banda and Connor Brogdon – on the IL, the Dodgers have 10 healthy relief pitchers. The bullpen received split opinions from fans, with its utilization being the main issue.
Most of that, though, comes from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Still, the majority of fans praise Roberts for how he has handled adversity this season.
On the bright side, the position players satisfied fans. In past polls, two main concerns were shortstop and the outfield. Keeping Miguel Rojas at shortstop instead of Mookie Betts and the addition of Tommy Edman in the outfield have increased one fan’s approval.
With the dominant 20-4 victory on Thursday, the Dodgers clinched a postseason berth. Although dealing with a depleted starting rotation, Los Angeles is equipped with solid position players and the only member of the 50-50 club as they head into their 12th consecutive postseason run.
Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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