Dodgers lose to Brewers 6-4 on July 20 despite Clayton Kershaw's return and Shohei Ohtani's 29th HR. A bullpen collapse exposes worrying team flaws.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of conflicting emotions at Chavez Ravine. The sight of Clayton Kershaw back on the mound brought a roar from the crowd, but that optimism faded into a familiar frustration as the bullpen faltered and the Dodgers fell 6-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers, exposing some worrying cracks in the armor.
Shohei Ohtani launched his 29th homer, but even his heroics couldn't mask a struggling bullpen and a deepening slump for Mookie Betts.
The biggest positive from an otherwise frustrating Sunday was the return of #22. Clayton Kershaw took the mound for the first time in weeks and looked solid, if not dominant. In his 4.1 innings of work, he allowed just two earned runs on five hits, striking out a pair. It wasn't vintage Kershaw, but it was a crucial step forward for a rotation that desperately needs its ace healthy for the stretch run. He kept the Dodgers in the game, handing a manageable situation over to the bullpen.
Unfortunately, the bridge to the back end of the bullpen collapsed. Lou Trivino had a disastrous outing, surrendering two runs while recording only a single out, which proved to be the difference-maker. Offensively, the power was there in flashes. Shohei Ohtani continued his MVP-caliber season, launching a two-run shot for his 29th home run. Eury Ruiz added a solo homer of his own, but the late rally fell short as the Dodgers were retired in order in the ninth to seal the 6-4 loss.
The loss cast a harsh spotlight on the struggles of Mookie Betts, who was benched mid-game and is hitting just .241. His slump is becoming a major concern, and it's no coincidence that rumors are swirling about the Dodgers targeting a right-handed bat before the trade deadline. The front office is already making moves, sending Blake Treinen on a rehab assignment to OKC in a hopeful sign for bullpen reinforcement, while outrighting Nick Nastrini. The message is clear: with a 58-41 record, standing pat is not an option.
While the Dodgers still hold a comfortable lead in the division, this loss was a reality check. Kershaw's health is paramount, but the bullpen remains a glaring issue and Betts' bat needs to wake up. With the trade deadline looming, all eyes are on the front office. The next ten days will define whether this team is a contender or a true championship favorite.
