Injury-plagued Dodgers keeping close in bid to repeat title

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers waited 32 years to win the World Series again. The road to a repeat championship is never easy, and they head into the second half of the season hoping the worst of the bumps along the way are behind them.

A suspended starting pitcher, injuries and offensive struggles have conspired against them. It’s the first time since 2016 the Dodgers haven’t been in first place at the All-Star break.

But they're close.

At 56-35, they have the second-most wins in the majors behind the rival San Francisco Giants (57-32). LA trails the first-place Giants by two games in the NL West, a division the Dodgers have won eight consecutive years.

“Considering what all we’ve been through, I’d say it’s pretty good,” All-Star first baseman Max Muncy said. “We haven’t played anywhere near the caliber that we are capable of playing.”

During one stretch, the Dodgers went 5-15. Injuries have knocked out starters Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May and shortstop Corey Seager, among others. The rotation took another big hit with starter Trevor Bauer going on paid administrative leave on July 2 after allegations of sexual misconduct and domestic violence.

"It's been a rough one,” All-Star Mookie Betts said. “We've had a lot going on.”

Muncy has been a bright spot, hitting .270, with 19 home runs and 52 RBIs in the first half.

The Dodgers could be seeking a starter at the trade deadline because the bullpen games they've been forced into aren't sustainable. May underwent Tommy John surgery in May, one of three pitchers on the team to do so this season.

Kershaw’s timetable remains uncertain as the three-time Cy Young Award winner recovers from left forearm inflammation. The team expects to get back injured reliever...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Injury-plagued-Dodgers-keeping-close-in-bid-to-16316902.php