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Fox Sports
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Yankees' struggles, Dodgers' depth, and big homers: The World Series reunion had it all
In the end, this was just another regular season series with brighter lights. But man, did that World Series rematch this past weekend between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees live up to the hype from the first at-bat to the last. We saw it all, including superstars outclassing each other, memories resurfacing from last year's Game 5, and the Dodgers showing everyone that, even though they weren't at full strength at the end of May, they're still the team to beat in Major League Baseball. Should we make something of the clash between these baseball titans? What can we learn from the Dodgers taking two games from the Yankees, especially Saturday's 18-2 rout that caused everyone on the East Coast to change television channels? Here are three takeaways from the weekend's three-game Yankees-Dodgers series. 1. The Yankees haven't closed the gap It seemed like the Yankees were in their heads at Dodger Stadium, attempting to overcome last October's disappointment while reliving it. New York should know by now that no lead is safe against Los Angeles, so the Yankees' 5-2 advantage in the third inning of Friday's opening salvo was hardly satisfying. Moments later, we saw flashes of last year's World Series Game 5 as the Dodgers clawed back for a comeback win against their current ace Max Fried, a la Gerrit Cole's fifth-inning collapse, stringing hits together to bury the Yankees' confidence and momentum. This time, the Yankees didn't have to step on their own feet with shoddy defense to allow the Dodgers to come-from-behind. Los Angeles just didn't miss mistakes. Shohei Ohtani homered twice against Fried, his second dinger sparking a four-run rally and forcing Fried out of the game after five innings. After Ohtani, the next seven Dodgers batters reached base, including more heroics from Freddie Freeman on an RBI double that went over Cody Bellinger's head in left field. The Dodgers' no-panic mindset leading to their 8-5 win in game one offered a reminder that the Yankees haven't closed the gap against the reigning champions. It only got more lopsided the following day. We're not expecting rookie right-hander Will Warren to get a start in meaningful games in the postseason, but his seven earned runs allowed over 1.1 innings on Saturday never even gave the Yankees a chance to battle back. The Dodgers outscored the Yankees 26-7 in the first two games of the series. Just like last year's Fall Classic, it's fair to wonder how the series would've unfolded had the Yankees brought their A game. Fried, the Yankees' de facto ace in place of the injured Gerrit Cole, had only allowed three home runs this year before he walked into Chavez Ravine on Friday, which was tied for the second-fewest home runs allowed among all big-league starting pitchers. Fried woke up the next day with a 1.92 ERA, despite the damage from Los Angeles' lineup, which is indicative of how terrific his season has been one-third of the way through the baseball calendar. He was due for a mediocre outing, and for the Yankees, it was unfortunate that it happened against the Dodgers. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers' dominant 18-2 victory over the New York Yankees. 2. Judge and Ohtani trading blows was special Now, this was one thing both fan bases could agree on: the game's best sluggers going mano-a-mano. Though the rest of the series overshadowed how the matchup began, watching Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani bring the fireworks in the first inning on Friday was what makes this sport special. Judge struck first, obliterating a Tony Gonsolin slider 446 feet to deep center field in the top of the first inning for his 19th home run of the season. Ohtani, leading off the bottom of the frame, responded with his 21st jack of year, clobbering the first pitch of the game from Fried. If it felt like a significant moment in MLB history, it was. It was the first time ever both reigning MVPs homered in the first inning of the same game. "I feel like he was copying me," Judge said of Ohtani. "He's impressive. He's one of the best players in the game for a reason. What he can do in the box, on the basepaths, once he gets back on the mound —it's special." "It was a really good start to the game," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. "It was a back-and-forth between two really good teams and I'm glad we came out at the top." Judge added on to his home-run pile on Saturday, enjoying a two-homer game that brought his season total to 21. Meanwhile, Ohtani took a cat nap in the Dodgers dugout, and he still found himself ahead of Judge by the time the series was over, with 22 homers. The Japanese two-way superstar has already scored 63 runs this season, becoming the fastest player to reach that milestone in MLB's modern era. It sure seems like Ohtani and Judge bring out the best in each other, whether they're playing 3,000 miles away on separate coasts, or bringing the heat in the same stadium. 3. Dodgers have depth that Yankees don't Even without Mookie Betts, the Dodgers still throttled the Yankees pitching staff by relying on lineup depth that the Yankees simply do not have. After Ohtani, Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith and Freeman, Los Angeles' lineup was still a threat, with center fielder Andy Pages crushing two home runs in the series, Max Muncy coming alive and going 5-for-10 with three home runs against New York, and Tommy Edman once again rising to the occasion in the blockbuster series. From top to bottom, the Dodgers lineup isn't just tricky to navigate; it's a living, breathing monster ready to slaughter opponents in broad daylight. Los Angeles' 18-2 thrashing on Saturday was a statement that they're the better team competing on another planet, even as the Yankees tried to remind themselves that this was just like any other series, and they shouldn't read too much into it. The Yankees weren't at full strength, with postseason icon Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list alongside infielders Jazz Chisholm and Oswaldo Cabrera, all of whom were sorely missed. But the Dodgers are depleted too, with top starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki all injured. They're still atop the NL West with a 36-23 record. Finally, Yankees starter Ryan Yarbrough had the answers in Sunday's series finale, limiting the reigning champs to one run over six innings and helping the Yankees avoid getting swept. For now, Yarbrough has earned the opportunity to show the Yankees what he can do in the rotation, while Warren showed that he's still young and not yet ready to make a major start in a meaningful game. The Yankees should walk away from this World Series rematch knowing that they have work to do. Ahead of July's trade deadline, they need a viable third baseman even after Chisholm returns from injury, because the combination of Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas, and Pablo Reyes is just not cutting it. They need another starting pitcher, and no, the eventual return of Luis Gil shouldn't be treated like it's a midseason acquisition. Gil should help, but the Yankees need more rotation depth at the back end. And they need a power arm in the bullpen, a point that is only magnified after we learned closer Luke Weaver is dealing with a hamstring injury. The star-studded Dodgers gained confidence this weekend, which should terrify opponents. They learned they can outshine the American League's best offense while they're missing key pieces from a roster that will only look better after the All-Star break, when Ohtani is expected to complete his rehab from Tommy John surgery and take the mound again. Right now, the Dodgers are still a better team than the Yankees. There's no guarantee these clubs will meet again this October, particularly with the dominant Tigers leading the AL and the number of highly competitive teams in the NL. But if we're heading toward another October rematch, the Dodgers have to feel good about their chances. It's not impossible for the Yankees to close the gap by the postseason, but it's a real challenge that will stay on their minds whether they admit it or not. On this edition of John Smoltz's "King of the Diamond", Landon Knack discussed his early season opportunity for the Los Angeles Dodgers and getting a win vs. the New York Yankees. Deesha Thosar covers Major League Baseball as a reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Deesha grew up on Long Island and now lives in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar . recommended Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dodgers 'Can't Wait' on Michael Conforto Rebound to Explore Trade for A's Breakout Star
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Dodgers ended their World Series rematch against the New York Yankees with a loss and are now preparing for a brutal stretch of the season. "And now one of baseball's most injury-plagued teams must strap back in for a four-game series against a first-place New York Mets team that has won seven of eight," as Bill Plaschke put it for the Los Angeles Times. "Followed by three games in hot St. Louis. Followed by three games in angry San Diego. Followed by three games against the reborn San Francisco Giants. Followed by four more games against damn San Diego." As the Dodgers look to overcome a series of persistent injuries, a return to the Fall Classic is far from guaranteed. And there are a few places they might consider upgrading their roster, even after a blockbuster winter of star additions. One of those offseason additions, Michael Conforto, hasn't panned out as hoped. And he could be reaching the end of his leash with the Dodgers. SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Miguel Andujar #22 of the Athletics looks on from the dugout against the Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park on April 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan... SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Miguel Andujar #22 of the Athletics looks on from the dugout against the Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park on April 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by) More Cunningham/Getty "The team is giving him a longer runway to find his swing considering the contract and his track record," Jason Fray wrote for Dodgers Nation. "At the same time, what if it never comes? L.A. can't wait on Conforto if his play continues to be this poor." Assessing the landscape for potential trade upgrades to replace Conforto and perhaps third baseman Max Muncy as well, Fray landed on the Athletics' Miguel Andujar, who is enjoying a breakout season in his final year of arbitration eligibility. "His play thus far in 2025 has been spectacular to the point that he could be named an AL All-Star," Fray noted. "In other words, he'd be an upgrade over Conforto (and likely Muncy) in virtually all categories. Andujar's ability to put the ball in play is a skill all teams search for come postseason time." Andujar is slashing .296/.328/.402 with 50 hits and just 23 strikeouts for the A's so far. And, given his contract situation and the team's likely contention window, it seems he could be on the trade block at midseason. If the Dodgers do want to boost the offense amid an epidemic of injuries on the team, they might look across the state for a trade involving Andujar. More MLB: Phillies Front Office Trends Suggest Ex-Yankees All-Star Could Be Bullpen Trade Target
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
After blowout loss, USC baseball can look to world champion Dodgers for inspiration
After blowout loss, USC baseball can look to world champion Dodgers for inspiration On Sunday night, USC baseball was blown out 14-1 by Oregon State in the NCAA Tournament. With the loss, the Trojans blew an opportunity to clinch their first trip to the super regionals in 19 years. Instead, the two teams will play a winner-take-all game on Monday afternoon in order to decide who moves on. Obviously, losing a postseason game by 13 runs is demoralizing. However, the Trojans do not have time to wallow. They have to turn around and play a decisive game less than 24 hours later. For inspiration, Andy Stankiewicz's team can look just a few miles up the road at the world champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Last October, the Dodgers entered Game 5 of the NLCS with a chance to clinch to clinch a trip to the World Series with a win. Like the Trojans on Sunday, however, Los Angeles's potential clincher turned into a nightmare. The Dodgers were blown out 12-6 by the New York Mets in a game that was not nearly as close as the final score indicated. Two days later, the Dodgers had another chance to clinch the pennant. This time, they finished the job, handling New York 10-5 to win the National League and advance to the Fall Classic. In the World Series against the New York Yankees, the same scenario unfolded. With a chance to clinch the title in Game 4, the Dodgers were blown out 11-4. The following night, however, it was a different story, as LA pulled out a 7-6 instant classic victory to win the championship. On two separate occasions, the Dodgers had a chance to clinch a series, but instead suffered a blowout loss. Both times, they responded emphatically in the following game, getting the win they needed. On Monday, USC baseball will look to do the same. After being blown out in a potential clincher on Sunday, the Trojans will get another shot on Monday in a winner-take-all game. If they want to emerge victorious, the Trojans will need to put the struggles of the last game behind them and focus on the task at hand. Fortunately for the Trojans, there is a very clear blueprint on how to do so. To find it, they need only look to their baseball brethren in Los Angeles.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aaron Judge's second home run (21)
Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and the Yankees-Dodgers World Series rematch | New York 4 to 7 On New York 4 to 7 presented by Verizon, host Chelsea Sherrod is joined by WFAN's Emmanuel Berbari to break down this weekend's World Series rematch between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. The two discuss Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, the pitching matchups, and if these two teams will make it back to the Fall Classic this year. 9:22 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dodgers' Dave Roberts Reveals More Details on Injury to Mookie Betts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided more insight into the injury superstar Mookie Betts is dealing with. Betts has a small fracture at the tip of his fourth toe on his left foot. Betts sustained the injury at home earlier in the week, after the Dodgers returned from a road trip on Wednesday night. "I was just going to the bathroom in the dark and hit my toe on a wall," Betts told The Los Angeles Times. However, Roberts does not believe Betts will require a stint on the injured list, but the 32-year-old is considered "day to day." Betts will not be available for this weekend's three-game series against the New York Yankees. The Dodgers gave veteran Miguel Rojas the start at shortstop during Friday's 8-5 comeback victory for the opening game of the Fall Classic rematch. On Saturday, infielder Hyeseong Kim will start at shortstop in place of Betts. Kim is hitting .366 with five runs batted and an OPS of .859 across 41 at-bats. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 19, 2025... LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. MoreThis story will be updated...
