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MLB analysts Jeff Blair and Jon Morosi discussed the current issues facing some of the best teams in baseball, including the LA Dodgers, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies. In the latest episode of "Blair and Barker," Morosi particularly talked about the Boys in Blue:
"The Dodgers, as dominant as their 1-2-3 hitters are, would anybody be surprised if they lose in the first round? No. First of all, it's happened the last two years. Second of all, the reason that happened in the last two years is a shortage of healthy pitching, and it's manifestly happening again. Like, right in front of our faces.
"Glasnow, Yamamoto, walking down the list, all the guys are injured or ineffective. It's a wild time to be a favorite team in baseball." (Timestamp: 58:10)
Like the Dodgers, the Yankees and Phillies also have numerous issues. The Pinstripers rely heavily on their top hitters but struggle with production from the bottom of their lineup. Meanwhile, the Phillies have also shifted their order around after finding themselves in a slump post the All-Star break.
"I watch a lot of the Phillies, a lot of the Yankees, a lot of the Dodgers," Morosi said. "It's rare that I see this many teams in quality teams in big markets who have this many flaws." (Timestamp: 57:55)
He then mentioned who he thought might make it to the finals:
"We could be headed for a, you name it, Diamondbacks-Royals World Series, or Padres-Royals World Series. Just completely unexpected, but that's what the flavour seems to be right now." (Timestamp: 59:18)
Dodgers edge pitcher's duel at home as Gavin Stone shuts out Mariners; Max Muncy back with a bang
The LA Dodgers beat the Seattle Mariners 3-0 at Dodger Stadium on Monday. Both starting pitchers, Gavin Stone and Bryan Woo, put in quality starts for their respective sides. After six scoreless innings, the only runs came in the bottom of the seventh when the hosts rallied for three runs.
Starter Gavin Stone had one of his best performances on the mound so far, tossing seven perfect innings and striking out 10, a career-high for him. Third baseman Max Muncy also made a strong return after a lengthy spell on the IL, with a two-run home run in the seventh inning.
LA will take on Seattle once again in Game 2 of the series on Tuesday. Staying on the theme of returns, starting pitcher Walker Buehler will also make his return from injury.
