Can the Real Dodgers Come Out to Play? Josh Beckett Still Looking For First Win

Josh Beckett (0-4, 5.24) vs. Brandon McCarthy (0-3, 7.22)

Lineup:

Crawford LF

Gordon SS

Kemp CF

Gonzalez 1B

Ethier RF

Hernandez C

Schumaker 2B

Punto 3B

Beckett P

Last night the Dodgers hit rock bottom. Well, the bottom of their division that is. After yet another frustrating loss, the Boys in Blue are now in last place in the N.L. West just behind San Diego. The mounting injuries, poor defense, struggling pitching, weak offense, atrocious base running, and questionable management decisions have doomed the Dodgers this first part of the season. Jerry Hairston Jr. is expected to land on the disabled list with a groin strain, and the Dodgers will most likely call up utility infielder Elian Herrera or perhaps Scott Van Slyke. Even though Van Slyke has been raking it in Albuquerque, have we all forgotten how awful he was in the Majors? He even was designated for assignment, but ended up back in AAA after nobody claimed him. Alex Castellanos is unfortunately injured right now, so the outfielder will most likely not get the call.

Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier continue to struggle offensively. Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Whether Van Slyke or someone else takes JHair’s roster place, it won’t make a difference really. The entire team is playing poorly. One of the biggest things hurting the Dodgers is the concerning lack of productivity from Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. Without those two hitting the Dodgers have little chance to succeed. Adrian Gonzalez, Nick Punto, A.J. Ellis, and Carl Crawford are the Dodgers biggest weapons of offense right now. Until all cylinders are firing, the Dodgers will have an upward climb back out of last place.

Josh Beckett has been ineffective so far this season, and the right-hander has yet to notch a win. His flat fastball has been capitalized on by the league. Beckett still hasn’t found a way to reinvent himself now that his

Brandon McCarthy has yet to win a game as a D-back. Photo: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

velocity has all but disappeared and he has to now rely on his secondary pitches. Beckett has been susceptible to the long ball, and he has allowed 8 homeruns to the opposition so far this season. Josh has also struggled when he has to pitch with runners in scoring position. Last time out against Colorado, Beckett only made it through 4 innings while allowing 4 runs on 5 hits with 6 strikeouts and 3 walks. He is 2-5 with a 3.83 ERA against the D-backs in his career. Last time Beckett faced the D-backs, it was certainly his best start of the season. He pitched 8 1/3 solid innings while striking out 9 Snakes on April 14th in Arizona. Unfortunately the Dodgers offense couldn’t help out poor Beckett, and the annoying Paul Goldschmidt hit an infield walk-off single to win the game for the D-backs 1-0.

Beckett had this to say about his pitching so far this season:

"“It’s just frustrating, I’m frustrated. I’ve just got to make better pitches. There is no excuse. I’ve got to make an adjustment.”"

We’re all frustrated, Josh.

Brandon McCarthy, who was signed by Arizona in the offseason,  is also still vying for his first victory of the season for the Snakes. He wasn’t involved in the decision last time out against the Giants, and he pitched 6 innings while allowing 4 runs on 8 hits with 6 strikeouts and a walk. He’s made one start against the Dodgers in his career, and he pitched seven scoreless innings with 5 strikeouts in the game.  

The 7:10 p.m. game will air on Prime Ticket. Join us afterwards as we commiserate and attempt to get through this rough patch together. Even through the bad times, we still love our Dodgers!