It’s nearly impossible to pin down even just a few reasons for the struggles of the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, much less a single problem that has Don Mattingly’s club hanging so tenuously above the cellar of the National League West.
Some may point to the long-running fiasco known otherwise as the divorce proceedings between owners Frank and Jamie McCourt, with the involvement of MLB commissioner and noted administrative sloth Bud Selig taking his sweet time to do anything of consequence.
Others may look to problems on the field, where the Blue Crew is average or below average in just about every important statistical category.
Even with stellar everyday play from Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier coupled with the continued improvement of staff ace Clayton Kershaw, Don Mattingly’s club still can’t seem to come through in the clutch.
All of that still leaves out consideration of injuries and the bullpen—two things that seemingly go hand in hand with this year’s club.
I had a chance to catch up with “Donnie Baseball” and team trainer Stan Conte to get the latest on rash of injuries that has turned the pitching mound at Dodger Stadium into a veritable infirmary.
Read on to find out when the team’s walking wounded are due back.