The duo of Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani have carried a lot of the weight for the Dodgers offense, however within the course of, Freddie Freeman has been missed.
Freeman has began the 2024 season with out residing as much as his lofty requirements, as his batting common is beneath .300 with an OPS hovering within the mid-.800s. On Monday, Freeman was in a position to snap out of a short energy droop with a grand slam, giving the Dodgers the lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Instances believes Freeman will play like his former elite self from his earlier two MVP-caliber seasons, although as he approaches 35 years previous, it gained't be as simple to recapture that kind.
“I at all times sit up for the actually, actually sizzling streak,” Freeman mentioned. I consider he nonetheless has that in him, though he might need to do extra as of late to get it out.
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For the primary time in his time as a Dodger, Yoshinobu Yamamoto reached 100 pitches in his begin on Monday towards Arizona, limiting hitters to only two runs over 6. 1⁄3 innings whereas placing out eight.
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic writes about Yamamoto's progress as a pitcher via his first 10 profession begins, noting how the group has marveled at his potential to deal with the stress he's confronted so far.
“It's been fascinating to look at him deal with all the additional stress and every little thing that comes with it,” assistant pitching coach Connor McGuiness mentioned not too long ago. “To exit and do what he did – I believe that is additionally the start of it. I believe he’ll proceed to be higher and higher.”
Chuck Schilken of the Los Angeles Instances writes about an interplay between Shohei Ohtani and Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink, who was the no. 2 choose on this 12 months's WNBA Draft, earlier than Monday's sport.
“I simply suppose it's superior,” Brink instructed Spectrum SportsNet LA's Kirsten Watson throughout a pregame interview. “I do know his spouse performed basketball too, so I adore it. I simply love every little thing it means.”
Here’s a constructive replace on Clayton Kershaw.
KLAC AM 570's Dave Vassegh spoke with Kershaw about his most up-to-date bullpen session, the place Kershaw remarked that he's “trending up.”
