The Los Angeles Dodgers are having a fantastic spring training this year, winning their last eight games in a row! However, even with all this success, there are some things happening that may cause the team to think twice. Manager Dave Roberts has shared some honest feelings about a couple of players who aren’t performing as well as the Dodgers had hoped.
Challenges for Outman and Kim
James Outman, an exciting young outfielder, has seen his performance drop sharply after a great season in 2023. Back then, he hit 23 home runs with a stellar batting average of .248. But so far in 2024, he’s batting only .147, with just 20 hits in 53 games! That’s quite a fall, and it has raised concerns about whether he can find his swing again. Roberts has mentioned that Outman has tried a new swing but it hasn’t worked out.
On the other hand, offseason signing Hyeseong Kim is also struggling to adjust. Coming from Korea, he’s finding it hard to keep up with the faster pitches in Major League Baseball (MLB). Because of these challenges, the Dodgers might start thinking about other players for the outfield and second base positions. Fans are hopeful that both players can bounce back soon.
Spring Training Success
Despite the struggles of some players, the Dodgers are still shining bright during spring training. With eight consecutive victories, they’re showing off the talent and teamwork that make them such a formidable franchise. The team is hoping that their springtime success will carry over into the regular season.
Shohei Ohtani’s Uncertain Return
Another topic on everyone’s mind is Shohei Ohtani. The talented pitcher and hitter signed with the Dodgers last offseason and many fans were excited to see him pitch on Opening Day. However, things have changed, and now it’s unclear when he will be back on the mound. He hasn’t pitched since late February because of an injury that required surgery last year. While he has continued to impress with his hitting, hitting a home run in his first at-bat this spring, fans are waiting anxiously to find out when he can pitch again.
Contract Talks for Dave Roberts
In another exciting bit of news, the Dodgers are looking to extend the contract of their manager, Dave Roberts. Some sources say this new deal could be the biggest in baseball history! This comes after Roberts led the Dodgers to their most recent World Series victory. Currently, talks are going well, and everyone involved seems optimistic about wrapping things up before the Dodgers head to their season opener in Tokyo.
What This Means for the Dodgers
The mixture of success and challenges creates an interesting atmosphere for the Dodgers as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see how the team will handle these difficulties while maintaining their winning streak. With the right adjustments and a bit of luck, the Dodgers might just overcome these hurdles and continue to be a top contender in Major League Baseball.
| Player | 2023 Stats | 2024 Stats (so far) |
|---|---|---|
| James Outman | .248 AVG, 23 HR | .147 AVG, 20 hits |
| Hyeseong Kim | New signing, adjusting | Struggling, finds it tough |