Dave Roberts sets condition where he would be 'disappointed' in Dodgers

DENVER — The Los Angeles Dodgers came into Denver on Monday night hoping to get back to looking like the two-time defending World Champions. That would be a welcome change for manager Dave Roberts.

Over the last two calendar months, the Dodgers have been a middling team, going 18-21 in July and August heading into Monday night's road series opener against the Colorado Rockies. That includes losing three of four games at Chavez Ravine to the Milwaukee Brewers in a just-completed series.

Those losses dropped the Dodgers three games behind Milwaukee for the National League's best record and also allowed the Atlanta Braves to creep ahead of the Dodgers for the second-best record in the NL, a record that would force Los Angeles to play in the wild-card round if the season ended today.

When asked if the Dodgers, who led the NL West by 7.0 games over the San Diego Padres entering Monday, were waiting to "turn it on" until closer to the postseason, Roberts bristled at the suggestion.

"I hope that's not the case," Roberts told reporters. "I'd be very disappointed if anyone in that clubhouse felt that way, because we are a wild card team again, right?"

Offense, not long seasons partly to blame for Los Angeles Dodgers struggles

Certainly the Dodgers know what it takes to win this time of year and in the postseason as is apparent with their consecutive World Series titles. However, Roberts won't blame the length of the last two seasons for any slump the Dodgers are currently going through.

"It's possible, but I'd like to think that's not the case," Roberts said. "We're still chasing something special and every game is an opportunity. We're fortunate to do this."

One of the biggest issues for the Dodgers' struggles has been the offense, with the Dodgers posting a .716 OPS over the last 30 days, placing them 15th among MLB's 30 teams.

"I think that the entire lineup is going through it," Roberts said. "Some guys worse than others, but the truth is that everyone is swinging more. Everyone is chasing more. Everyone is walking less than the back of their baseball card. We're all in that same situation where just getting back to being who we are, and then with that, the expectation is that guys will start performing the way we're capable."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.