Shohei Ohtani's 29th HR and a Bobby Miller gem led the Dodgers past the Royals 5-2 on June 27. See how LA's depth continues to fuel their winning streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Even with a medical report longer than a CVS receipt, the Los Angeles Dodgers just keep finding ways to win. On Friday night in Kansas City, it was the Shohei Ohtani show, backed by a brilliant performance from Bobby Miller on the mound. The Dodgers dismantled the Royals 5-2, notching their fourth consecutive victory and improving their impressive record to 52-31. It’s a testament to the team's depth and a 'next man up' mentality that has become their trademark this season.
'It just shows we're deep. But we still got a couple months to go and just have to keep playing good Dodger baseball.' - Mookie Betts
The offense was once again sparked by its superstars. Shohei Ohtani broke the game open in the fifth inning with a towering two-run homer, his 29th of the year, reminding everyone why he's one of the most feared hitters on the planet. Not to be outdone, Mookie Betts was a constant threat at the top of the order, going 3-for-4 with a double and scoring two crucial runs. Their consistent production has been the engine for a Dodgers team that has weathered a grueling schedule.
While the bats provided the power, Bobby Miller provided the stability. The young right-hander was in complete control, carving through the Royals' lineup for six strong innings. He allowed just two runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking only one. After Miller's departure, the bullpen locked it down, with Tanner Scott slamming the door in the ninth for his 18th save of the season. It was a textbook performance that showcased the kind of top-to-bottom pitching the Dodgers need for a deep October run.
The bullpen's solid performance was timely, as the team officially welcomed back a key arm. Right-hander Luis García was reinstated from the 15-day IL just before the series, a much-needed reinforcement for a group that recently lost Evan Phillips for the season to Tommy John surgery. To make room, reliever Will Klein was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he'll join recent trade acquisition Zach Penrod. These moves underscore the front office's constant effort to maintain pitching depth, a strategy that's paying dividends.
Manager Dave Roberts praised the team's resilience, and it's easy to see why when you look at the injury list. The team is still without several key arms. The good news is that Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) has resumed throwing and is targeting a September return. Kyle Hurt and River Ryan, both recovering from Tommy John, are also throwing but not yet in full bullpen sessions. Unfortunately, the news isn't as good for Gavin Stone and Michael Grove, who are both confirmed to be out for the remainder of the season with shoulder injuries. Their absence makes the contributions of pitchers like Miller and the health of the bullpen even more critical.
This four-game winning streak is more than just a hot stretch; it's a statement. The Dodgers are proving they can absorb significant injuries and still perform at an elite level. As Mookie Betts said, there are still a couple of months to go, but if the team can maintain this level of resilience and get a few key pieces back down the stretch, they are setting themselves up perfectly for another title chase. Look for them to keep the pressure on the Royals as the series continues this weekend.
