As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face the Colorado Rockies, it’s clear that not all last-place teams are truly equal. The Dodgers, recently returning home after a difficult road trip filled with setbacks, find themselves in a position where they can capitalize on their matchup against the struggling Rockies. At this moment, the Rockies sit with a daunting 40-103 record, and this game could provide the Dodgers an opportunity to regain their footing in the MLB landscape.
### Recent Performance Dips
The Dodgers have encountered turbulence in their recent road games, faltering against teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles. The team’s struggles have caused them to slide further in the MLB Power Rankings, creating an urgent need for turnaround. However, amid these challenges, there’s a silver lining: Mookie Betts. After experiencing a lackluster season for most of 2025, Betts is displaying signs of resurgence in his performance, which might be crucial for the Dodgers in the coming games.
Betts’ recent statistical output is impressive. Over the last month, he has recorded a .330 batting average and has hit five home runs, showcasing a return to form that could significantly impact the Dodgers’ offense. This resurgence comes at a pivotal moment, as the postseason approaches and the pressure intensifies for all teams involved.
### Key Player Insights
One notable performance from Betts came when he substituted for Shohei Ohtani as the leadoff hitter against the Rockies’ rookie pitcher, Chase Dollander. In that game, Betts ended up on base in four of his last five at-bats, helping the Dodgers secure a decisive 9-5 victory. With Ohtani also contributing significantly, scoring three homers and earning four RBIs in a recent game, it’s evident that the Dodgers need their star players to lead the way as they fight for a better playoff position.
### Facing a Slumping Rockies Team
The Colorado Rockies, on the other hand, are experiencing significant challenges of their own, facing a 2-12 record recently. Their pitching rotation has struggled to find any consistency, particularly Dollander, who is slated to take the mound against the Dodgers. Dollander has a troubling ERA of 6.77, but even that doesn’t reflect the full range of his difficulties. Historically against the Dodgers, he has performed poorly, having allowed 10 runs in just over nine innings. This is an ideal match for the Dodgers to exploit; a struggling pitcher against an emerging hitter like Betts creates a potentially explosive offensive opportunity.
### Postseason Implications
As the Dodgers approach the playoffs, time is of the essence. They entered the season with high hopes, building a star-laden roster that many believed could contend for the championship. However, as they near the critical month of October, the goals have shifted towards simply finding their rhythm. Prior performances indicate that for the Dodgers to succeed, they must rely on their stars to elevate their game, especially against teams that are not performing well, like the Rockies.
Every game counts in this stretch-run to the postseason, and failures to capitalize against lower-tier teams can have lingering repercussions on a team’s confidence and overall momentum. The upcoming matchup against the Rockies offers a prime chance for the Dodgers to gain some much-needed traction as they aim to stabilize their season.
### Conclusion
In summary, the Dodgers find themselves in an advantageous position as they gear up to face a severely underperforming Rockies team. With Mookie Betts’ recent resurgence and a struggling pitcher in Chase Dollander set to take the mound for Colorado, it’s crucial for the Dodgers to seize this opportunity. Winning this game may provide the necessary boost in morale and performance as the playoffs loom closer.
The dichotomy of these two teams underscores the unpredictability of baseball; not all last-place teams are alike. The Dodgers have the chance to turn the tide, regain their swagger, and prepare themselves for the challenges that await in the postseason. With their star-studded roster and the right performance, this match against the Rockies could mark the beginning of a much-needed turnaround.
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