Dodgers drag themselves into All-Star break after loss to Tigers – Think Blue Planning Committee

The Los Angeles Dodgers could have easily pulled off a sweep, but they lost the final two games of the weekend series to the Detroit Tigers and dragged themselves into the 2024 MLB All-Star break despite still having the best record in the National League West.

In the middle game on Saturday, the Dodgers led by as many as five runs before the bullpen imploded. Ricky Vanasco, Evan Phillips and Yohan Ramirez allowed a total of seven runs in the final two innings, giving Detroit the 11-9 victory.

On Sunday, the Dodgers took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and maintained control of the game until the ninth inning, when Ramirez faltered again, allowing two runs and allowing the Tigers to win with a sacrifice bunt attempt caused by his own throwing error.

One of the few bright spots from Sunday’s finale was the Los Angeles debut of 29-year-old swingman Brent Honeywell. The right-hander went three full innings as an opener, allowing just one hit and no walks and striking out two batters. The Dodgers added Honeywell to their roster after claiming him off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

Honeywell has no options left, so it’s safe to assume he’s in control of his own destiny when it comes to a spot on the roster. Ramirez and Anthony Banda also have no options left in their contracts.

Los Angeles’ offense has been rather inconsistent all season. Despite being one of the best teams in the National League, the Dodgers still struggle with runners in scoring position and are one of the most inconsistent teams in the league. Even with Mookie Betts and Max Muncy on the injured list, it’s not uncommon for the Dodgers to steamroll their opponents with double-digit wins, only to fail to produce an offensive output for two consecutive days.

With the July 30 MLB transfer deadline fast approaching, it’s hard to say which areas of the roster front office chief Andrew Friedman will address, if any. Betts will certainly return at some point to bolster the offense, but Muncy doesn’t yet have a timetable for a potential return.

Right-handed relief pitcher Joe Kelly could be set to return shortly after the All-Star break, but Friedman and his team may need additional firepower as half of the current relief pitchers consist of names like Ramirez, Banda, Michael Petersen and Ryan Yarbrough.

And while the rotation was mostly excellent in the first half, it’s been atrocious of late. According to Eric Stephen of True Blue LA, over the last 14 games – including Landon Knack’s appearance on Thursday – the starters have averaged just 4.4 innings per start with an ERA of 8.46.

Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was placed on the 60-day injured list on Sunday to make room for Honeywell, began catching again this week at Dodger Stadium. The earliest he can return is Aug. 15.