The Dodgers have a knack for turning drama into déjà vu, and this latest act had fans yawning instead of cheering. Mookie Betts may shine on and off the field, but his timing has people raising eyebrows. As the Padres lurk just two games behind, every wasted at-bat feels louder than fireworks. If offense really wins divisions, Los Angeles might be rehearsing for someone else’s October parade.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking like their former self this season. They were on a 4-game winning streak, but their last game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 30, 2025 just proved that the problems have not gone away. With the Padres just behind them, the Dodgers need to focus more on baseball and less on off-field exhibitions.

After their recent no-show against the Diamondbacks, the hosts of the Dodgers Nation show talked about what the reason might be. They talked about how the Dodgers’ offense might have failed because of Mookie Betts, “My biggest takeaway is this was one of the most boring games we have seen from the Dodgers this year. The seventh time they’ve been shut out this season… Mookie Betts had the only Dodgers extra-base hit…Mookie Bets paddle ball tournament that he did… that maybe caused this offensive starvation that we saw today.”

The Dodgers’ 3-0 loss to the Diamondbacks has been labeled one of their dullest outings, largely because the offense produced nothing memorable beyond a Betts double. Fans saw their seventh shutout of the season, with rallies dying before momentum could materialize. The supposed explanations ranged from an inconvenient off day to Mookie Betts’ playful paddleball charity event. Regardless of the cause, the lifeless energy clashed sharply with the Dodgers’ recent scoring surge.

That loss carried weight far beyond a single missed opportunity, because standings pressure continues to intensify in the NL West. Winning would have given Los Angeles separation from San Diego and momentum towards reclaiming the crucial second seed. Instead, they squandered a chance to expand a fragile two-game division lead, leaving the door open for the Padres. Consistency has defined champions, but this Dodgers team has instead wrestled with constant streaks of feast and famine.

The offensive inconsistency is not new, and without correcting it, October could end earlier than expected. Writers like Kerry Miller have even predicted that the San Diego Padres will overtake the Los Angeles Dodgers for the division crown. That belief stems from San Diego’s easier schedule and their ability to seize wins the Dodgers waste. If Los Angeles cannot rediscover reliable bats, a decade-long grip on the West may finally loosen.

And that’s the hook: the Dodgers can’t keep pretending every cold night at the plate is just a blip. Los Angeles has the talent, the payroll, and Mookie Betts’ star power, but none of that matters if the bats keep napping. The Padres are circling, the Diamondbacks smell blood, and October won’t forgive excuses. If the Dodgers don’t fix their problem fast, Hollywood’s biggest baseball production may close before the postseason even premieres.

The Dodgers Might Boost Their Bullpen to Save Their Season From Bad Offense

The Los Angeles Dodgers can hit like juggernauts one night and look like Boston’s castoffs the next, which is why Walker Buehler’s name suddenly feels relevant again. In a season defined by inconsistent bats and wasted rallies, the Dodgers aren’t exactly auditioning for offensive highlight reels. Instead, Los Angeles is left hoping that old allies and a sturdier bullpen can mask the lineup’s chronic inability to string hits together.

The Boston Red Sox shocked many by releasing former All-Star Walker Buehler after many difficult weeks. He endured a rocky campaign with 23 games, 22 starts, and a disappointing 5.45 ERA. Recently shifted to the bullpen before his release, his struggles overshadowed his previous postseason pedigree. Despite hardships, Buehler remains a proven October arm whose career highlights suggest untapped value for a contender.

That contender could be none other than the Los Angeles Dodgers, his longtime baseball home. Walker Buehler spent seven seasons in Los Angeles, capturing two World Series rings, including last year. He has thrived in bullpen roles before, carving crucial innings on championship runs. A reunion offers familiarity, trust, and the chance to rediscover his best self in Dodger blue.

The Dodgers’ bats may keep misfiring, but pitching depth remains their favorite emergency bandage. Boston might have lost patience with Walker Buehler, yet Los Angeles knows his scars come with rings. If the Dodgers want October salvation, trusting an old friend could be their smartest gamble. After all, offense wins headlines, but it’s bullpen arms like Buehler that rewrite playoff history.