1. The Dodgers defense has been mediocre at best. They have lost a number of games just because of shoddy defense. Bad defense is hard to overcome in the long run.

2. Thin Pitching. Before the season began the Dodgers had 7 legitimate starting pitching options: Kershaw, Buhler, Bauer, Urias, May, Price, and Gonsolin. May is out for the season. Bauer has been suspended, and I'd be surprised if he pitches again this year. Kershaw is on the IL. Gonsolin was out a significant part of the early season. Price has been in the bullpen until recently. Injuries in the pitching staff--both starters and bullpen guys--have been a signicant challenge for the Dodgers. They've used numerous bullpen games already this season and more seem likely. Gray pitched tonight and gave up some runs on homers, but otherwise looked good. Has some potential. What appeared to be a massive strength for the Dodgers before the season started now appears to be a massive question mark.

3. Injuries to position players, including star players, have been a significant impact. Bellinger and Seager have both missed a ton of time. Betts has been dinged up but never on the IL. Muncy has had several injuries as well. Injuries have forced numerous Triple A players to get significant playing time. As a result the Dodgers offense has been anemic at times. This has also contributed to the porous Dodger defense.

4. Dave Roberts is a good manager overall. He understands the game and has good rapport with the players. But he is still prone to making head-scratching moves, especially with the pitching staff.