Off to a slow start in 2023, what's going on with Dodgers?
Sitting at 9-10 to begin the 2023 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are far from the team that had one of the greatest regular seasons of all time winning 111 games with a +334 run differential in 2022.
You can start with the roster turnover from last year to this year. Losing key contributors like Trea Turner, Justin Turner and Tyler Anderson. The Dodgers also saw plenty of other roster pieces move in free agency.
While they did a good job trying to fill in the holes by bringing in J.D. Martinez and Noah Syndergaard, they are also relying on rookies James Outman and Miguel Vargas as everyday players.
Replacing someone like Turner isn't easy, and without him slotted at the top of the lineup, the Dodgers lost some energy.
Injuries are another reason to blame for the stumble out of the gate for the Dodgers. Losing starting shortstop Gavin Lux for the season in spring training has them experimenting with the idea of playing Mookie Betts at shortstop. Catcher Will Smith got off to a great start but hasn't played since April 12 due to a concussion.
Walker Buehler and Blake Treinen are expected to miss most if not all of 2023. The Dodgers are trying to replace a massive amount of production, and it's going to take some tinkering with the lineups to find something that works.
The on-the-field product has been average at best, boasting a +19 run differential that would suggest they should have a better record. However, most of that differential comes from two nine-run victories in the first week.
Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias and Dustin May have all been great to begin the year, but the rest of the rotation and the bullpen have mostly been a mess.
With Tony Gonsolin making his first rehab start Thursday afternoon, reinforcements are on the way to help bolster the rotation.
Despite the struggles, they sit two games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West and have plenty of time left in the season to figure this out.
More must-reads: