Dave Roberts: Dodgers not built to steal more bases
PITTSBURGH — The exchange rate has been unfavorable for the Dodgers.
New rules this season have encouraged teams to run more often and more successfully than they have in years. The Dodgers have done their part to pump up those numbers. They allowed a major-league high 35 stolen bases in 40 attempts through their first 25 games.
But they haven’t taken advantage of the new rules. The Dodgers stole their 10th base of the season Thursday. Only the Twins (two) and Rockies (five) have fewer steals. Only the Twins, Rockies and Red Sox have fewer attempts than the Dodgers’ 14.
“We just don’t have the guys who steal bases,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We’re just not constructed that way. That’s just the facts.”
The Dodgers were led in stolen bases last year by two players who are now elsewhere – Trea Turner (27) and Cody Bellinger (14). Only one other player since 2015 has stolen more than 15 bases in a season with the Dodgers – Chris Taylor stole 17 in 2017. Mookie Betts averaged 24 steals over five full seasons with the Red Sox but has topped out at 12 with the Dodgers.
“I just don’t like giving up outs or giving up bases,” Roberts said. “If there’s right opportunities to steal a base, we’ll do that. … But it’s just not part of our offense.”
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman would like it to be more a part of the offense and disagrees that the Dodgers don’t have the personnel to do it.
“I’d like to have more stolen bases. I haven’t dug into it. But I would like to have it be more,” he said.
“I think we have a number of guys that can pick spots and get to double digits. A lot of guys can do that. I don’t think we have a league leader type.”
The Dodgers do lead the league in home runs, providing their own deterrent to running.
But their inability to control the opposing team’s running game has essentially been the same as giving up an extra 35 extra-base hits.
“It’s a different game one year removed,” Roberts said. “There’s more activity on the bases across the league and so we’ve got to be proactive and move quicker as far as adjusting and value the importance in how we control the running game.
“It’s essentially giving guys 90 feet and you saw front- and back-end stolen bases against us and then a flare and you score two runs. It’s hard to get 90 feet, but when you’re giving it away, they’re going to take it. We just have to be better. Can’t keep everybody off base, but when they do (get on base), it can’t be a free 90 feet.”
The adjustments have been more difficult for the Dodgers’ relievers to make, Roberts said, and that has been a factor in the 5.32 bullpen ERA they took into Thursday’s game.
“If you don’t have the ability to manage the running game, then you’re not a viable option to come into an inning with runners on base,” he said. “There’s a couple guys that are doing a nice job. But we’ve clearly given up more bases than anyone in baseball. You’re taking the double play out, you’re creating situational hitting opportunities, you’re giving up teammates’ runs. It’s just got to be better.”
DH DOWN
Veteran designated hitter J.D. Martinez missed all three games in Pittsburgh and doesn’t appear close to returning. He hasn’t even swung a bat since injuring his back Sunday in Chicago, according to Roberts.
“He’s a guy that really swings a lot (in the cage),” Roberts said. “And for him to not be able to feel like he could do that – it’s certainly telling.”
Roberts said the Dodgers are still hopeful Martinez won’t need to go to the injured list. Martinez has had multiple back injuries during his career. He hasn’t had an MRI, but Roberts said it’s possible he will if there isn’t improvement soon.
“It’s certainly been a little bit longer than we’ve already expected,” Roberts said.
UP NEXT
Cardinals (RHP Jack Flaherty, 2-2, 3.29 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Dustin May, 2-1, 3.07 ERA), 7:10 p.m. Friday, SportsNet LA, 570 AM