Dodgers Week 11 review: Taking care of business

The Dodgers played two last-place teams — the Pirates and Rangers — last week and won five out of six, taking advantage of a lull in the schedule. But despite the wins, there are still some nagging problems that keep popping up.

Los Angeles for the first time in five weeks has five starting pitchers in the rotation, but even that was tempered by Tony Gonsolin walking five batters in his return from the injured list on Wednesday, only able to get through five outs. The Dodgers weren’t out of the bullpen-game weeds just yet, even though in that game the relievers that followed held Pittsburgh scoreless for the final 22 outs in a one-run win.

With the notable exception of shortstop Corey Seager, who could begin a rehab assignment within the next couple weeks, the Dodgers lineup had about a week at nearly full strength before injuries popped up again. Max Muncy strained his oblique, becoming the 22nd Dodger to land on the injured list in 2021. Cody Bellinger felt tightness in his left hamstring, and though he wasn’t placed on the IL he still missed the final two games of the weekend.

“It’s not ideal, but every team it seems like is going through the same thing,” manager Dave Roberts said Sunday. “I do believe in the depth we have, and it gives guys opportunities.”

A new addition to the depth is 30-year-old utility man Andy Burns, who was called up to the majors for the first time in five years on Saturday. In his first game with the Dodgers — his first major league start — he not only got his first major league hit and reached base twice, but even pitched an inning.

The wins moved the Dodgers into second place in the three-team race that is the National League West, one game back of San Francisco. But with 97 games remaining, that doesn’t seem to be at the front of mind at the moment.

“As far as standings right now in June, I don’t think it really concerns us,” Roberts said. “We’ve got the Phillies coming to town. They’re playing well, and we’re going to have our hands full.”

Batter of the week

Justin Turner is heating up again in June, and last week hit three home runs, including two solo shots, providing all the offense in Wednesday’s nail-biting win in Pittsburgh.

Turner, who throughout his career has consistently hit for more power in the later months of the season, has 12 home runs through Sunday, double his previous career best through 65 team games (done in both 2015 and 2019).

Pitcher of the week

It’s not often a choice is as easy as this one. Walker Buehler was the only Dodgers pitcher to start twice last week, and he allowed no runs in 13 innings.

“Whatever I can contribute to our team is trying to go deep into games, and give us a chance to win,” Buehler said Sunday. “That’s my goal. That’s all there really is to it.”

Week 11 results

5-1 record
31 runs scored (5.17 per game)
23 runs allowed (3.83 per game)
.633 pythagorean win percentage

Year to date

39-26 record
344 runs scored (5.29 per game)
253 runs allowed (3.89 per game)
.637 pythagorean win percentage (41-24)

Miscellany

Baker’s dozen: The Dodgers swept the Pirates from Tuesday to Thursday in Pittsburgh, a series that was delayed by rain the first two days, then shortened by the weather on getaway day. Sweeps have been the result in each of the Dodgers’ last four series against the Pirates, and their 13 straight wins over Pittsburgh match the franchise record, set by Brooklyn from May 4-July 20, 1952.

Four times three: Clayton Kershaw struck out nine Rangers on Friday night, including four in the fourth inning alone thanks to a wild pitch. It’s the eighth time a Dodger has whiffed four in one inning, and the first time since Sergio Santos on May 16, 2015 vs. Colorado.

Twelve to one, a dozen of another: The first two games of the weekend interleague series were not what you’d call competitive. The Dodgers won 12-1 on Friday, and the Rangers returned the favor with a 12-1 win on Saturday. It’s the first time in major league history teams have split consecutive games with 12-1 scores, per Dodgers play-by-play broadcaster Joe Davis.

Transactions

Wednesday: Tony Gonsolin was activated off the 60-day injured list to make his 2021 debut and rejoin the Dodgers rotation. Yoshi Tsutsugo was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain, and left-hander Scott Alexander was transferred to the 60-day IL. The earliest Alexander can be activated is July 2.

Saturday: Andy Burns was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and pitcher Mitch White was optioned. To make room for Burns on the 40-man roster, Dennis Santana was designated for assignment.

Saturday: Max Muncy was placed on the injured list with a strained right oblique, suffered on a swing in the first inning on Friday night against Texas. Luke Raley was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Game results

Previous reviews: Apr. 1-4 | Apr. 5-11 | Apr. 12-18 | Apr. 19-25 | Apr. 26-May 2 | May 3-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-30 | May 31-June 6

Up next

The Dodgers finish up the homestand with three games against the Phillies before heading out to the desert to play the Diamondbacks next weekend in Phoenix, running the Travis Lee gauntlet. Arizona’s rotation is a guess, and somewhat dependent on how their four-game series in San Francisco unfolds.