Daily News 19

Tag: Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Tarik Skubal Confirms Embarrassing Tigers Secret Involving Max Muncy

    Tarik Skubal Confirms Embarrassing Tigers Secret Involving Max Muncy

    The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to solidify their status as premier World Series contenders as the 2026 MLB regular season enters its final stretch. Entering Wednesday night’s matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles holds an 88-57 record and is chasing a seventh consecutive victory.

    Dodgers Close Gap on National League’s Best Record

    The club sits just 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the top record in the National League. A major factor in their late-season surge has been the seamless integration of one of baseball’s most significant midseason acquisitions. The Dodgers acquired reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers ahead of the trade deadline, and the left-hander has quickly become a cornerstone of their pursuit of a third straight championship.

    Skubal Dominates in Dodgers Debut Stretch

    Since arriving in Los Angeles, Skubal has made seven starts and posted a 2.93 ERA with 48 strikeouts over 43 innings. While his on-field performance has been stellar, a recent off-field revelation highlighted the stark organizational differences between his former and current clubs.

    Travel Logistics Expose Franchise Disparities

    Teammate Max Muncy appeared on the show “Foul Territory” and revealed that Skubal confirmed the Tigers’ old team plane was unable to fly across the country without stopping to refuel. While Detroit has since acquired a new aircraft capable of cross-country flights, the detail underscores the operational gaps for a franchise enduring a disappointing 66-79 season, leaving them well outside the American League playoff picture.

    Dodgers Set Standard with Two-Plane Operation

    For Skubal, the transition has been night and day. Moving from a middle-of-the-pack payroll team to the famously deep-pocketed Dodgers has granted him access to luxuries reserved for the sport’s elite organizations. Notably, Los Angeles is the only team in baseball this season to utilize two separate planes for road trips — one dedicated to players and another for staff. The organization views the arrangement as a competitive advantage, providing players with enhanced comfort, rest, and recovery for what they consider their most valuable assets.

    The differences between Detroit and Los Angeles extend far beyond air travel, but Skubal’s experience offers a vivid illustration of how drastically organizational resources and philosophies can vary across Major League Baseball.

  • Los Angeles Dodgers Announce Kyle Tucker Change Ahead of Reds Game

    Los Angeles Dodgers Announce Kyle Tucker Change Ahead of Reds Game

    The Los Angeles Dodgers aim for a sixth consecutive victory Tuesday night as they continue a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. The matchup presents a favorable offensive opportunity for Los Angeles, with left-hander Nick Lodolo (ERA above 5.00) starting for Cincinnati against Dodgers right-hander Tarik Skubal.

    Lineup Shakeup Against Southpaw Lodolo

    Manager Dave Roberts has significantly altered the batting order to counter the left-handed Lodolo. The most notable omission is outfielder Kyle Tucker, who sits against the southpaw.

    Here is the full Dodgers lineup for Tuesday’s game, per @UnderdogMLB:

    “T. Edman CF M. Betts SS W. Smith C F. Freeman DH T. Hernández RF M. Rojas 2B A. Call LF M. Muncy 3B E. Hernández 1B T. Skubal SP”

    Key Changes From Monday’s Lineup

    The lineup card looks markedly different from the series opener. Among the major adjustments:

    • Shohei Ohtani is out of the lineup.
    • Mookie Betts returns at shortstop, batting second.
    • Freddie Freeman moves to the cleanup spot as the designated hitter.
    • Will Smith is back behind the plate, forming a battery with Skubal.
    • Miguel Rojas bats sixth at second base.
    • Andy Pages (listed as A. Call in the source) starts in left field.

    The Dodgers will look to capitalize on the platoon advantage against Lodolo as they pursue the series win and extend their winning streak.

  • Dodgers Catcher Rushing Returns to Injured List

    Dodgers Catcher Rushing Returns to Injured List

    Dodgers Place Dalton Rushing on IL After Elbow Setback Ends Catching Hopes

    The Los Angeles Dodgers placed catcher Dalton Rushing on the 10-day Injured List before Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals, backdating the move to Saturday after the 25-year-old experienced renewed discomfort in his right elbow during a throwing session. The transaction effectively ends any realistic chance of Rushing returning behind the plate this season, though the organization has not ruled out deploying him exclusively as a hitter once he is cleared to resume baseball activities.

    UCL Tear Management Takes a Turn

    Rushing has been managing a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow since early August. Rather than shutting him down immediately, the Dodgers activated him when rosters expanded in September with the intention of using his bat while keeping him out of the catching rotation. The club was simultaneously ramping up his throwing program on the side, hoping he might eventually progress enough to resume defensive duties.

    That plan unraveled Saturday when Rushing, having advanced to throwing from 90 to 100 feet, felt his elbow bark again. Subsequent imaging revealed no additional structural damage, offering a measure of relief, but the setback forced a strategic pivot. The team will now take a more cautious approach: Rushing is expected to pause his swinging progression for several days before restarting a hitting-only buildup. If that goes smoothly, a minor-league rehab assignment could follow to get him back into game action before the regular season concludes.

    Offensive Production and Postseason Utility

    Despite the injury, Rushing has delivered promising offensive numbers in his second major-league campaign. Across his time with Los Angeles this year, he has slashed .249 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and a .798 OPS. His brief return earlier this month yielded no hits in five plate appearances, and he will now need to rebuild his timing at the plate from a standstill.

    Should his elbow respond well to the hitting-only workload, Rushing could still provide a left-handed power option off the bench or as a designated hitter down the stretch and into the postseason—a valuable asset as the Dodgers navigate roster construction for October.

    Long-Term Outlook and Surgical Considerations

    The bigger picture remains unsettled. Surgery is still a possibility, though the club may defer that decision until the offseason. Much will depend on how Rushing tolerates swinging a bat without further aggravating the ligament. For now, the priority is stabilizing the elbow and preserving his long-term viability as a two-way catcher.

    Roster Move: Eliezer Alfonzo Recalled

    To fill the vacant roster spot, Los Angeles recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Dodgers will carry three catchers for the time being, providing additional flexibility behind the plate while Rushing works through his latest rehabilitation phase.

    Rushing’s path to catching in 2024 has closed, but a role as a pure hitter remains alive if his recovery stays on track. The next week will be critical in determining whether he can contribute to a postseason push in any capacity.

  • Despite Strong Performance, Eric Lauer Could Miss the Dodgers’ October Roster

    Despite Strong Performance, Eric Lauer Could Miss the Dodgers’ October Roster

    Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Lauer has delivered everything the team has asked of him in 2026, but his strong regular season still may not be enough to secure a spot on the Dodgers’ postseason roster.

    Lauer joined Los Angeles in May after the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment and traded him. Since then, the left-hander has revived his season and become one of the Dodgers’ most dependable pitchers.

    How has Eric Lauer performed for the Dodgers in 2026?

    Lauer’s ERA has dropped from 6.69 with Toronto to 3.78 with the Dodgers. His ERA+ has improved from 67 to 107, while his WHIP has fallen from 1.486 to 1.145. His FIP, or fielding independent pitching, has also improved from 6.91 to 5.21.

    Even more importantly, the Dodgers have consistently won when Lauer takes the mound.

    Los Angeles did not lose a game started by Lauer until Aug. 5, when the Chicago Cubs defeated the Dodgers 7-6. The Dodgers then suffered another one-run loss, falling 6-5 to the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 26.

    Despite those defeats, the Dodgers are 11-2 with Lauer on the mound, and he has posted a personal record of 6-1.

    Eric Lauer remains on the bubble for the Dodgers’ playoff roster

    Lauer has moved between the starting rotation and bullpen this season, but neither role appears to have a clear postseason opening for him, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.

    Although Lauer has been successful as a regular-season starter, he is unlikely to join the Dodgers’ postseason rotation ahead of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. Justin Wrobleski, an All-Star this season, is also being shifted to the postseason bullpen and would be the most likely candidate to enter the rotation if a spot becomes available.

    “On the pitching side, it’s hard to see Eric Lauer cracking the list, despite Lauer being one of the most dependable arms this season,” Woo wrote. “That Lauer looks to be outside the bubble has more to do with the left-handers that have more or less stamped their ticket on the roster: Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and most likely Justin Wrobleski, with Kris Bubic potentially in the mix.”

    There is still time for the situation to change, but the window is closing. Lauer has produced a strong season for Los Angeles, yet he could ultimately be left off the Dodgers’ playoff roster.

  • Dave Roberts Risks Spoiling Tarik Skubal’s Emotional Return to Detroit and Pushing Away Dodgers Pitcher

    Dave Roberts Risks Spoiling Tarik Skubal’s Emotional Return to Detroit and Pushing Away Dodgers Pitcher

    Tarik Skubal’s first start in Detroit as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers was always going to be an emotional occasion for the reigning Cy Young winner.

    The left-hander delivered an impressive performance against his former team, holding the Detroit Tigers to four hits and one run over six innings while striking out seven batters. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts removed Skubal after only 83 pitches, preventing him from pitching deeper into the game.

    Dave Roberts takes cautious approach with Tarik Skubal

    Television cameras later captured Roberts and Skubal discussing the decision in the dugout. Skubal was visibly disappointed, although the exchange did not appear heated. He had hoped to remain in the game as long as possible during his emotional return to Detroit.

    After the game, Skubal discussed the situation briefly and explained that Roberts told him the Dodgers would need him over the long haul. Los Angeles is focused on winning another World Series, and keeping Skubal healthy will be crucial to those ambitions.

    Roberts’ decision ultimately worked. The Dodgers’ bullpen shut out the Tigers over the final three innings, while Freddie Freeman delivered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Dodgers Call Up Josue De Paula

    Dodgers Call Up Josue De Paula

    The Los Angeles Dodgers officially placed superstar Shohei Ohtani on the injured list Wednesday, a move the organization had been considering for over a week. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision following the team’s 14-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

    Ohtani Sidelined by Dual Injuries

    The two-way phenom is dealing with lingering issues in his left knee and right biceps. The placement on the IL opens a roster spot and signals a shift in the Dodgers’ lineup as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

    Top Prospect Josue De Paula Expected to Debut

    In a corresponding move, highly touted outfield prospect Josue De Paula is expected to join the active roster on Friday when Los Angeles opens a weekend series against the Miami Marlins. The 21-year-old is not currently on the 40-man roster, meaning the front office will need to make an additional transaction to accommodate his promotion.

    Dominican Republic Signing Develops into Elite Hitting Prospect

    Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, De Paula has rapidly ascended through the minor league system. MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the organization’s most advanced hitting prospect since Corey Seager.

    Offensive Profile Draws Yordan Alvarez Comparisons

    Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, De Paula has drawn comparisons to a smaller, more athletic version of American League MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez. Scouts highlight his tremendous raw power combined with an advanced plate discipline that yields excellent pitch selection.

    Dominant Double-A Season Forces Promotion

    De Paula’s production at Double-A Tulsa this season made the call-up inevitable. In 588 plate appearances in the Texas League, he posted a .303/.401/.547 slash line with 27 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. He added to those totals Wednesday, launching a solo home run in the first inning of the Drillers’ 10-1 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

  • Elly De La Cruz Homers in 5th Straight Game

    Elly De La Cruz Homers in 5th Straight Game

    Elly De La Cruz Extends Home Run Streak to Five Games Against Dodgers

    LOS ANGELES — Even against one of baseball’s elite pitchers, Elly De La Cruz continued his historic power surge. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop launched a first-pitch, 97.4 mph fastball from Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto over the center-field wall in the fourth inning Wednesday night, a Statcast-projected 403-foot solo shot that extended his home run streak to a career-best five consecutive games.

    Record-Setting Pace for Switch-Hitter

    The blast marked De La Cruz’s 26th home run of the season, establishing a new career high and breaking his own single-season franchise record of 25 set in 2024 for the most homers by a switch-hitter in Reds history. The five-game streak stands as the longest of his career and the longest ever by a switch-hitter for the club. It also ties him for the second-longest streak overall in franchise history, leaving him just two games shy of Joey Votto’s record of seven straight games with a home run, set in July 2021.

    Lone Bright Spot in Lopsided Loss

    While the Dodgers answered with a six-run fourth inning to blow open a 14-1 victory, De La Cruz’s solo shot provided Cincinnati’s only run. Taking an elite starter deep on the first pitch of an at-bat is remarkable on its own — the homer was just the 19th allowed by Yamamoto this season — and underscores why the 24-year-old remains the engine of the Reds’ offense.

    “Well, it’s fun to watch,” manager Terry Francona said of De La Cruz’s recent tear. “I mean, on a night that there wasn’t a lot of fun stuff to watch, it’s pretty impressive.”

    Milestones Continue to Accumulate

    The solo shot added another entry to De La Cruz’s growing list of franchise milestones. Beyond the home run streak, Wednesday’s blast marked his 223rd career extra-base hit, surpassing Dmitri Young for third-most by a switch-hitter in Reds history behind only Pete Rose (868) and Ron Oester (265).

    This performance follows a Tuesday night showcase that highlighted De La Cruz’s elite combination of power and arm strength. In addition to a 444-foot home run off Tarik Skubal — the longest hit at Dodger Stadium in 2026 — De La Cruz threw out Teoscar Hernández at the plate with a 102 mph relay strike, demonstrating how his game-breaking ability alters outcomes on both sides of the ball.

  • Elly De La Cruz hits a homer, throws out a runner at home in Reds’ loss

    Elly De La Cruz hits a homer, throws out a runner at home in Reds’ loss

    Elly De La Cruz Powers Reds With Historic Home Run, Record-Setting Throw in Loss to Dodgers

    LOS ANGELES — Elly De La Cruz delivered a two-way showcase of elite power and arm strength Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, though his heroics weren’t enough to prevent the Cincinnati Reds from falling 3-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

    De La Cruz Launches Longest Home Run of 2026 Season at Dodger Stadium

    In the top of the third inning, De La Cruz turned on a first-pitch, 87.5 mph changeup from Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal, sending a Statcast-projected 444-foot blast into left-center field. The two-run homer tied the game and marked the longest home run hit at Dodger Stadium during the 2026 season, surpassing a July 12 shot by Shohei Ohtani by seven feet.

    The round-tripper matched De La Cruz’s single-season career high with his 25th home run and extended his home run streak to four consecutive games. As he rounded third base, the 24-year-old shortstop pointed toward the seats behind home plate, acknowledging his brother in the stands.

    “I thought it was a good pitch to hit,” De La Cruz said of the blast. “We always want to come out with a win, but it feels good to do the job.”

    Record-Breaking 102 mph Throw Guns Down Hernández at the Plate

    De La Cruz wasn’t finished making an impact in the third inning. In the bottom half, Teoscar Hernández lined a ball to center field that skipped to the outfield gate. Third-base coach Dino Ebel waved Hernández home, but De La Cruz gathered the relay from left fielder JJ Bleday, turned, and uncorked a strike to catcher Jose Trevino that nailed Hernández at the plate.

    The throw registered 102.0 mph per Statcast, establishing the fastest assist by an infielder since tracking began in 2015. It surpassed De La Cruz’s own previous record of 99.8 mph, which he had achieved twice.

    “That was one of the better throws you’ll ever see, I mean, ever,” manager Terry Francona said. “I know I turn on the old things and you see Dave Parker or somebody making throws or Clemente; they might be showing that one 1789029340.”

    “Every time he throws a ball, it’s an absolute rocket,” starting pitcher Nick Lodolo added. “It was a great throw, and it was a great pick by Trevi to stay with that and make the tag. A lot of credit to both guys there.”

    De La Cruz himself downplayed the velocity.

    “I thought it was like 98, 99 [mph],” De La Cruz said. “I didn’t know; it was not hard.”

    Lodolo Battles Command Issues in Hometown Start

    While De La Cruz generated the night’s highlight-reel moments, Lodolo worked through a challenging outing in front of his Southern California crowd. The left-hander lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits with six strikeouts across 97 pitches.

    Lodolo surrendered a solo home run to Will Smith in the first inning. His command wavered in the second, when a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch forced home a run, though he escaped further damage. Francona noted improvement as the game progressed before a two-out single by Hernández in the fifth ended Lodolo’s night.

    “I thought early he wasn’t commanding,” Francona said. “As he got into the third, fourth, fifth, I actually thought he was better, and I was kind of fighting it [leaving him in] because I know Hernández wasn’t a great matchup, but I really wanted him to get through that fifth. I thought it would have been really good for him, [but then] he reached out and poked a 3-1 changeup into right.”

    Lodolo acknowledged the early struggles defined his outing.

    “Too many free passes on my part,” Lodolo admitted. “That’s what led to the runs outside of the good hit by Smith in the first. Overall, got to limit the free passes. My stuff is great, just gotta limit that and make them work a little bit more.”

    Reds Seek to Avoid Sweep in Series Finale

    The loss snapped a strong stretch for Cincinnati, which had entered the week having won three consecutive series against the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds will attempt to avoid a sweep and salvage Wednesday night’s finale against the Dodgers.