Dodgers fall to the Reds on July 28, 2025, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggles with run support. Read how Blake Treinen's return offers a key silver lining.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their series in Cincinnati with a thud, falling to the red-hot Reds and extending their losing streak to two games. The loss on Monday night wasn't the start anyone wanted for the road trip, especially with the San Diego Padres nipping at their heels in the NL West.
As of July 28, the Dodgers are tied with the Cubs, Mets, and Phillies for the highest 'Summer Score' in the National League at 92, reflecting their elite performance since late May.
It was a tough night at the Great American Ball Park. Despite another strong effort from the heart of the order, including Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith, the Dodgers couldn't overcome the Reds, who have now won six straight at home. The loss drops the Dodgers to 61-45, and while they still sit atop the division, the pressure is mounting. Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound, but the team couldn't provide the run support needed to cool off Cincinnati.
The day wasn't all bad news. Just before the series, the Dodgers activated key reliever Blake Treinen from the 15-day IL, a desperately needed reinforcement for a beleaguered bullpen. His veteran presence and high-leverage stuff will be crucial down the stretch. The team also recalled lefty Justin Wrobleski for additional depth, optioning Will Klein and Edgardo Henriquez to Triple-A in corresponding moves.
Treinen's return is timely, as the injury report remains a concern. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that closer Evan Phillips is officially out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, utility man Kiké Hernández remains in a 'holding pattern' with his left elbow inflammation, with no clear timeline for his return. The long-term rehab continues for pitchers Kyle Hurt and River Ryan, who hope for a late-season comeback.
Despite the two-game skid and injury woes, it's important to keep perspective. A new metric called the 'Summer Score' has the Dodgers tied for the best mark in the National League at 92. This score reflects the team's excellent play since late May, proving that even with recent bumps, they remain one of the most consistent and dangerous teams heading into the final stretch of the season.
While Monday’s loss stings, the season is a marathon, not a sprint. With Blake Treinen back in the fold, the Dodgers will look to stabilize the bullpen and get the bats firing again to take the next two games in Cincinnati. All eyes will be on how this team responds to a little adversity as the calendar flips to August and the pennant race heats up.
