The Dodgers are sitting at a .500 clip as of September 5, and if you’ve been watching their uninspiring play this summer, you’re probably screaming the same question at your TV: How did they spend *that much* money for an offense to be *this bad*? It’s a brutal question, especially when it feels like we’re just reliving last year’s lull all over again.
That Deja Vu Feeling? It’s Real
Seriously, is this an annual tradition now? Dodgers lead broadcasters Joe Davis and Orel Hershiser were scratching their heads on air during the Detroit Tigers series, openly discussing their confusion over the team’s seemingly annual summer dip. On the SportsNetLA broadcast back on August 28, 2026, in the top of the third inning with Shohei Ohtani at the plate, Davis flat out said, “It’s crazy how similar it is to last year, the slump that the Dodgers have. It started at almost the same exact time in early July… lasted about two months last year.” You can practically feel the collective groan from fans who’ve seen this movie before.
Double Plays and 14 Innings of Silence
And what happened right after Davis dropped that truth bomb? Ohtani grounds into a 4-6-3 double play. Davis immediately called it out: “Another double play. That’s been one of the mystifying things in this stretch and really all year. Even though they don’t have an exceptionally high ground ball rate. They hit into way more double plays than anybody.” Hershiser chimed in, calling it a “headshaker,” especially when you’ve got power hitters who usually blast the ball into the air. Later, with Mookie Betts up to bat after Freddie Freeman walked, and following a discussion about the Chris Sale game closing the Atlanta series, Davis dropped another bombshell: “No runs their last 14 innings.” Hershiser summed up the frustration, saying the offense needs to get going to calm their own nerves, not just help out the pitcher. Davis nailed it, “Sometimes that wanting and that trying becomes the problem.” It’s like they’re trying too hard and just getting in their own way.
History’s Warning and Future Hopes
Here’s the kicker: Davis and Hershiser eventually brought up how, outside of the Wild Card Series last year, the Dodgers’ offense was largely a no-show in the postseason tournament. Yeah, there were individual moments, but don’t forget, the Dodgers had the lowest team batting average of *any* eventual World Series champion since 1966 when Baltimore hit just .200. That’s a serious historical warning sign for a team that spends big and aims for championships. The pressure is on for them to break this cycle, and quickly, before “wanting and trying” becomes “failing.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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