Dodgers See Offence Surge, Glasnow Finds Crucial Focus as Postseason Approaches
LOS ANGELES – Teh Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense is showing signs of arriving at the right time, with manager Dave Roberts emphasizing the importance of disciplined plate appearances as the team prepares for October baseball.Together, starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow appears to be overcoming early-season struggles, demonstrating a renewed mental focus that could prove vital in the postseason.
Roberts highlighted a shift in offensive approach, noting that relying on hitters to chase pitches outside the strike zone is detrimental regardless of individual performance. ”It’s true always,” Roberts said. “Unequivocally, it’s true. And I say that as if they’re going to throw balls out of the hitting zone and for you to swing at them, you’re not helping yourself or the team, regardless. That doesn’t change.” He suggested that the team’s offensive success is amplified when other players are hitting well, perhaps taking pressure off Shohei Ohtani. Roberts anticipates opposing teams will increasingly pitch around Ohtani, challenging other Dodgers hitters to step up.
simultaneously occurring, Glasnow battled through a rough start in his moast recent outing against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, walking or hitting five of the first 13 batters he faced. “Not much feel for anything early on,” Glasnow admitted. “Kind of the whole game to be honest… This was, timing-wise, probably the worst I’ve felt all year. it was just trying to go out there and compete.”
Despite the initial struggles, glasnow limited the Giants to just one run over 6 2/3 innings, retiring 10 consecutive batters at one point by leaning on his sinker and slider. Giants manager Bob Melvin acknowledged his team couldn’t solve Glasnow’s pitching. “You’re always in between whether or not you wont to make him work or try to get that fastball early in the count,” Melvin said. “Nothing really worked with it today.”
Roberts has previously challenged Glasnow to focus on execution rather than dwelling on how he feels on the mound. Glasnow believes he’s made progress in that area since returning from the injured list. “Since I got back from the IL, it’s been easier to kind of put it out of my head and go compete,” Glasnow said. “If my stuff sucks, it’s kind of whatever. Just compete, try to get in the zone, get some weak contact. It’s helpful.”
Glasnow has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, including taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the arizona Diamondbacks on August 30th and pitching a no-hit game against the Colorado rockies on monday. The Dodgers acquired Glasnow with the postseason in mind, having won the World Series last year while he was injured. While his role in October remains uncertain, his improved focus and health could be valuable assets.
“His ability to block out noise and just focus on the hitter, that pitch, I think that’s the most telling thing for me,” Roberts concluded.
(Photo of Michael Conforto: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
