Dodgers Dugout: Michael Conforto, Mookie Betts, and All-Star Prospects
Heatwave and Ice Cream
Welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout! I’m Houston Mitchell, and with the recent heatwave, even my neighborhood ice cream man has humorously simplified his truck’s sign to just say “cream.”
Q&A with Dodgers Reporter Jack Harris
To keep things fresh, I’ve invited my colleague Jack Harris, the primary Dodgers reporter for the Times, to tackle some frequently asked questions.
Why is Michael Conforto Playing Over Hyeseong Kim?
Harris: There are a couple of reasons for this decision:
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Positioning Issues: Kim’s best position, second base, has been occupied by Tommy Edman, who has been sidelined from the outfield due to an ankle injury. Consequently, Kim has been playing center field, where he lacks the same defensive polish.
- Investment in Conforto: The Dodgers committed $17 million to Conforto this offseason, hoping he can regain his offensive form. Until the trade deadline, they need to evaluate his contributions and determine if they need to seek reinforcements.
With Edman returning to the outfield, playing time between Kim and Conforto is expected to balance out. Both players faced limited opportunities recently due to the Dodgers facing several left-handed starters.
Should We Be Concerned About Mookie Betts’ Performance?
While panic isn’t warranted, concern is certainly valid. Betts has been streaky throughout his career, but his current numbers are on track for career lows. Early-season health issues and a decline in power and hard contact have contributed to this downturn. Although he showed improvement in late April through early June, his overall performance raises questions about whether he’s entering a less productive phase at age 32.
Update on Pitchers: Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki
Harris:
- Tyler Glasnow needs at least two more rehab outings, aiming for a return shortly after the All-Star break.
- Blake Snell is expected to start facing hitters soon, with a likely return in early August.
- Roki Sasaki is a bigger question mark. After receiving a shoulder injection, he’s feeling better but hasn’t thrown a bullpen yet. A September return seems more realistic.
Emmet Sheehan’s Temporary Send-Down
After a strong debut, Emmet Sheehan was sent down to continue building up his innings in a controlled environment. The Dodgers opted to keep Justin Wrobleski on the roster for immediate needs, but Sheehan is eligible to return for the upcoming Astros series.
The All-Star Lineup: A Potential Dodgers Sweep
The finalists for the All-Star starters have been announced, and the Dodgers are well-represented. With Shohei Ohtani guaranteed to start at DH, several Dodgers are in contention for other positions:
- Catcher: Will Smith
- First Base: Freddie Freeman
- Second Base: Tommy Edman
- Shortstop: Mookie Betts
- Third Base: Max Muncy
- Outfield: Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages
Voting is open until Wednesday at 9 a.m. PDT.
Austin Barnes and Walker Buehler Updates
Austin Barnes, released earlier this season, has signed a minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants. He’ll likely work his way back to the majors, providing valuable experience to the Giants’ pitching staff.
Meanwhile, Walker Buehler is struggling with the Red Sox, holding a 6.45 ERA. He remains open about his challenges, emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining performance in the majors.
Upcoming Schedule
- Tuesday: Chicago White Sox at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
- Wednesday: Chicago White Sox at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
- Thursday: Chicago White Sox at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
In Case You Missed It
- Max Muncy’s resurgence linked to vision correction.
- Dodgers aim for a record number of All-Star starters.
- Analysis of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman’s recent struggles.
Until Next Time…
Have thoughts or questions? Reach out to me at houston.mitchell@latimes.com, and follow me on Twitter at @latimeshouston. To subscribe to this newsletter, click here. Enjoy your holiday weekend!