It’s times like this, when watching the Dodgers struggle, to be reminded of the immortal words of author Douglas Adams: Don’t panic.
That was the title of his “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a gentle reminder that all the problems in the universe are pretty much controlled by outside influences. Panicking doesn’t do much to solve the problems. But it doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
Instead of panicking, learn to enjoy all the joys the universe has to offer.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers universe has seen its share of disappointment in 2021.
There are plenty of problems facing the Dodgers. Injuries and bad luck are two of them.
But when is the right time to start panicking?
Is it after losing two of three games, including a 4-2 loss on Sunday, on the road to the Atlanta Braves?
Probably not.
Is it after going 3-3 against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Braves?
No, still not panic-worthy.
Is it after being mired in third place in the National League West standings in the first week of June?
The standings don’t really start becoming a factor until after the All Star break.
Is it seeing Clayton Kershaw pitch more like a No. 3 starter than a three-time Cy Young Award winner?
Maybe that’s a sign the Dodgers pitching staff might not be as deep and strong as advertised.
One thing is for certain: The Dodgers need to play better than .500 baseball to win the NL West. They probably need to play better than that to even make the playoffs.
It’s not like the Dodgers are destined to struggle. Reinforcements arrived in Cody Bellinger, AJ Pollock and Zack McKinstry coming off the injured list. Adding their bats to the lineup will help, but that support can’t come soon enough.
The Dodgers have struggled offensively at times. Recent injuries to Max Muncy and Austin Barnes don't help. Combine that with Mookie Betts continuing his hitting funk and it makes for a destructive mixture for the Dodgers offense.
There have been signs of life in recent games though. The Dodgers scored eight runs in the fifth inning against the Braves on Friday. They put up an 11-spot in the first inning against the Cardinals on Wednesday. The Dodgers have the ability to put up ridiculous offensive numbers and put some of those thoughts of panic to rest.
But the longer the Dodgers stay in third place, the higher the panic level rises.
With every passing week, it is harder not to panic.
The Dodgers starting pitching power rankings:
- Walker Buehler
- Trevor Bauer
- Julio Urias
- Clayton Kershaw
- David Price
The Dodgers are 34-25 and continue their road trip in Pittsburgh to start a three-game series against the lowly Pirates on Tuesday. Then the Dodgers return home to start a weekend series against the equally underachieving Texas Rangers on Friday.
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