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If you want a reason not to freak out about the Dodgers' offense through 10 games, there are a few. First of all, it is only 10 games. Also, the team is 6-4 so let's not all go Thelma & Louise just yet. However, expecting the pitching staff to continue to be superhuman (2.10 ERA, eight quality starts in 10 games), especially with Zack Greinke out two months, is a fool's errand.
But the Dodgers' on-base percentage of .339 ranks fourth in the National League, so they are doing something right at the plate. Yet they are tied for 13th in the 15-team NL in runs per game with the Pirates, owners of a .252 OBP.
Yes, the Dodgers are dead last with a .148 batting average (12-for-81) with runners in scoring position, but they are sixth in plate appearances with RISP. They are getting the runners out there, but just aren't getting them in. Their .203 batting average on balls in play in those situations suggests some bad luck.
In other words, if the Dodgers keep putting runners on base, they will be fine.
Hyun-jin Ryu makes his first road start as a Dodger on Saturday, looking for his third consecutive quality start. The last pitcher to start his Dodgers career with three straight quality starts was Ted Lilly, who had five straight after getting acquired from the Cubs in 2010. The last Dodgers rookie to have at least three quality starts to open his career was Pedro Astacio, who opened with five straight in 1992.
The current six-game losing streak by the Dodgers in Arizona against the Diamondbacks matches their longest road losing streak in Phoenix. The Dodgers also lost six straight games at Chase Field from Sep. 20, 2005 to July 17, 2006.
Game info
Time: 5:10 p.m. PT
TV: KCAL