Starting pitcher Michael Grove #78 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks down after giving up a two run home run to Jake Bauers of the New York Yankees in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Miguel Vargas #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is called out on strikes with runners on by home plate umpire John Tumpane #74 as catcher Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees reacts to end the eighth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Michael Groves #78 along with catcher Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on Jake Bauers (not pictured) of the New York Yankees hit a two run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is called out on strikes with runners on by home plate umpire John Tumpane #74 as catcher Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees reacts to end the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jake Bauers, right, high fives teammate Anthony Rizzo of the New York Yankees after hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is called out on strikes with runners on by home plate umpire John Tumpane #74 as catcher Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees reacts to end the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Second baseman Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees tags out Miguel Rojas #11 Los Angeles Dodgers on a attempted steal of second base in the fifth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Miguel Vargas #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is called out on strikes with runners on by home plate umpire John Tumpane #74 as catcher Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees reacts to end the eighth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Miguel Vargas #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is called out on strikes with runners on by home plate umpire John Tumpane #74 as catcher Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees reacts to end the eighth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is called out on strikes with runners on by home plate umpire John Tumpane #74 as catcher Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees reacts to end the seventh inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jake Bauers of the New York Yankees high fives teammate Anthony Rizzo,left, after a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Michael Grove #78 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks down after giving up a two run home run to Jake Bauers (not pictured) of the New York Yankees in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees high fives teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees walks toward the dugout after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Second baseman Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees tags out Miguel Rojas #11 Los Angeles Dodgers on a attempted steal of second base in the fifth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees points to the sky after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees high fives teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees high fives teammate Anthony Rizzo, left after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jake Bauers of the New York Yankees high fives teammates after a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Julio Urias of the Los Angeles Dodgers works out on the mound prior to a baseball game against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Michael Grove #78 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the New York Yankees in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anthony Rizzo of the New York Yankees looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees on deck against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees walks toward the dugout after getting the Los Angeles Dodgers out in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jake Bauers of the New York Yankees reacts after a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jake Bauers, right, reacts with teammate DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees reacts after a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jason Heyward of the Los Angeles Dodgers scores on a double by David Peralta (not pictured) against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jason Heyward of the Los Angeles Dodgers scores on a double by David Peralta (not pictured) against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jason Heyward of the Los Angeles Dodgers scores on a double by David Peralta (not pictured) against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jason Heyward of the Los Angeles Dodgers scores on a double by David Peralta (not pictured) against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Third baseman Dj LeMahieu of the New York Yankees makes a catch in foul territory on a pop up by Jason Heyward (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees walks toward the dugout after getting the Los Angeles Dodgers out in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Julio Urias of the Los Angeles Dodgers works out on the mound prior to a baseball game against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees on deck against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jason Heyward of the Los Angeles Dodgers scores on a double by David Peralta (not pictured) against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers usually figure these things out. (Unless, of course, it’s October.)
They’ve made up for a rare number of pitching issues this season – a decimated starting staff and a generally unproductive bullpen – with an offense that entered Saturday first in baseball in walks, second in homers and third in runs scored. This was a team that was expected to take a step back this season, but it entered the day tied for the best record in the National League.
Yeah, they’ve spoiled us. And a couple of developments Saturday suggested that the pitching concerns might not be as deep as they seem at the moment.
First, Julio Urías tossed 30 or so pitches from the Dodger Stadium mound more than 3½ hours before first pitch Saturday, with a delegation including manager Dave Roberts and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman watching closely. Urías went on the injured list May 20 with a hamstring strain, and after passing Saturday’s test he’s scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday in Cincinnati and could be activated next weekend.
Roberts, naturally, accentuated the positive Saturday afternoon, suggesting that injured list stint could be considered a break, maybe a subtle form of load management. (Then again, the Dodgers are notorious for creating such, er, breaks with players who maybe aren’t as hurt.)
“I think if you look at the last few years with a lot of our pitchers, they’ve kind of had a little reset or a break or a blow, cut into the season,” Roberts said. “And I do think that this two-week, three-week situation will reset him and he’ll be able to finish the rest of the season strong.”
That’s one pitcher scheduled to return soon, at least. Dustin May, Daniel Hudson and Walker Buehler are each on the 60-day IL, as are Ryan Pepiot and Blake Treinen, and by all accounts Hudson might be the closest to coming back, which would help shore up a bullpen that has regressed this season.
In related news, Phil Bickford went on the 15-day IL Saturday, and no, the injury wasn’t listed as “bruised ERA.” Good guess, though.
The other development? Forget, for the moment, the two booming home runs that shortstop Jake Bauers slammed off Michael Grove, even though they accounted for two-thirds of New York’s offense in Saturday’s 6-3 Yankee victory.
Grove, along with Sunday starter Bobby Miller, is among the young Dodger pitchers asked to assume additional responsibility because of that crowded injured list. Grove was making his first start back from his own IL stint, a little more than five weeks because of a groin strain.
And, well, take away those two bombs – an 86.8 mph slider on a 1-1 pitch that Bauers hit 414 feet into the right field pavilion in the second, and a 95.6 mph four-seamer that he hit 409 feet to right field in the fourth – and you can make the case that Grove acquitted himself well.
Of his 83 pitches in five innings, 59 were strikes. He allowed only two hits besides the home runs, had three 1-2-3 innings and struck out the side surrounding Bauers’ first homer. Significantly, he averaged 96.4 mph with his four-seam fastball, touching 98 once, which was several mph above his average velocity for his first four starts before getting hurt.
Some of that, Grove said, came from some mechanical tweaks he worked on while on the IL, “just some things I needed to get back to … Really, just evaluating my delivery and how to use my legs a little bit better. It was nothing crazy, just a small tweak, but it let me get behind the baseball a little bit better.”
Said Roberts: “They didn’t take a lot of good swings against him, and yeah, there wasn’t much stress. He just made a couple of (bad) pitches to Bauers, but outside of that, really good. I think he’s got a lot of confidence, and you know, we’ll look forward to him making his next one.”
See, the Dodger pitching laboratory is still functional, but a pitcher still has to have that velocity in him. The lack of success in turning Noah Syndegaard around could be largely the case of someone still considering himself a power pitcher when he really isn’t any more.
Syndergaard is scheduled to start Wednesday in Cincinnati. Beyond that, who knows? At this point it seems to make more sense for the Dodgers to end that experiment and go all in with the kids, much as they have with Miguel Vargas and James Outman in their everyday lineups.
The youngsters may struggle, but they’ll learn and be better for it. So will their team.