3 Biggest Reasons the Dodgers Lost in the NLDS to the Arizona Diamondbacks

The Dodgers disappointed again for many reasons.

The Los Angeles Dodgers abruptly ended their 2023 season when the Arizona Diamondbacks swept them in the NLDS.

Most Dodger fans are asking themselves a simple question: What happened? During the regular season, the Dodgers were the superior team. Going into the NLDS, everyone expected the Dodgers to make quick work of the Diamondbacks.

However, there were a few reasons the Dodgers fell apart in the NLDS:

1. The Layoff

No team can have a six-day rest and be sharp. The Texas Rangers have already eliminated the Baltimore Orioles, and the Atlanta Braves are on the verge of elimination. Only the Houston Astros survived the layoff and advanced to the ALCS. Major League Baseball must reconfigure its playoff format and stop punishing its best teams. Of course, the Dodgers tried to have workouts and sim games, but it didn't work. 

2. The Top of the Lineup

Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman had one hit between them. The Dodgers can't win a game with their two best players disappearing. These superstars were used to playing daily, and they couldn’t because of the layoff. They got rusty and started pressing. They swung at balls and took strikes.

The only Dodger hitter who benefitted from the long layoff was Will Smith, who had four hits during the series.

3. The Starting Pitching

While the Dodger bullpen was magnificent, the starters didn’t do their job. No team can survive when their starters last only 4.2 innings and allow 13 runs in three games. Yes, the Dodger offensive production was anemic, but it couldn’t make up for the starters’ ineptitude.

While many Dodger fans want to fire Dave Roberts, Roberts managed the series beautifully. He didn’t pitch or hit. He knew how to use his marvelous bullpen. He tried to match hitters to pitchers where they would have success. However, it didn’t work.