The high-powered Los Angeles Dodgers offense is struggling. The reigning back-to-back World Series champions won 16 out of 22 to open the season. Since then, they have lost nine out of 13 games. They have lost five of the last seven series, and the opening game of their set against their historic and division rival, the San Francisco Giants, who are not known as an offensive juggernaut so far this year. To top it off, Los Angeles looks lethargic at the plate. What is wrong? Is it time to worry about a team that was considered an inevitable powerhouse on paper?
Why is the Dodgers Offense Struggling?
There Aren’t Supposed to be Holes in the Lineup
In 2025, the Dodgers offense went through lulls as well, especially during the postseason. They did their best to plug holes in the outfield this winter by signing Kyle Tucker, who has taken some time to adjust to his new environment. Since he has moved down the lineup, his bat has started to warm.
Dodgers offense the last 12 games
2 runs
3 runs
2 runs
2 runs
4 runs
8 runs
1 run
12 runs
3 runs
2 runs
2 runs
3 runs— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) May 12, 2026
In the last 10 games, the former All-Star has started to look like himself. He is hitting over .300 in that span, with seven hits. More importantly, he has been more selective in his approach. He has drawn six walks, instead of swinging at the first pitch as he had done earlier this season. However, the top of the lineup, including Shohei Ohtani, has been uncharacteristically cold. It has been the bottom of the lineup filled with young blood that has carried the Dodgers this season.
Interesting Numbers
The Dodgers were riding high until they visited Coors Field in Colorado. They uncharacteristically struggled to score runs in the losses against the Rockies and split the series. Los Angeles could count themselves fortunate to break even in the big ballpark as long as the pitching staff remained intact.
However, the offensive hangover on the road trip continued against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Dodgers hit into a total of nine double plays in a two-day span. To complicate matters, the Dodgers went 6-for-22 with runners in scoring position and 23 men on base. To illustrate further, the Dodgers have averaged six-plus runs in their wins and only two-and-a-half runs in their loss. There has also been a power outage when it comes to home runs. This, obviously, leaves little margin of error for a pitching staff that has been one of the best in baseball this season.
Offensive Struggles are Not What (the) Doc Ordered
This has led to frustration for manager Dave Roberts, who has openly lamented the offensive approach in recent weeks. He questioned some of his hitters’ plan of attack and being too “passive.” He explained further, “When you are passive, you are late on the fastball. You are not scaring pitchers out of the hitting zone. As opposed to being aggressive and scaring them out of the hitting zone. And that starts by getting on the fastball.”
Back to Their Regularly Scheduled Programming
The Dodgers are known for seeing a lot of pitches. They thrive on making opposing pitchers work, fouling off good pitches, and feasting on mistakes. Lately, however, it seems they have been caught in between. Whether it is paralysis by analysis or something else, the Dodgers have been swinging at pitches outside the strike zone and missing meatballs as they cross the plate.
Is it Time to Worry?
No doubt this Dodger drought is concerning, but it isn’t time to hit the panic button. Every team has struggles during the long season. Mookie Betts was activated on Monday, and Kiké Hernández will return in a month’s time, as will Tommy Edman. Odds are, the reigning National League MVP will figure it out, too. As painful as it is to watch, it is better for the Dodgers to struggle now than in October.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
