The defending-champion Los Angeles Dodgers are off to another hot start, boasting the National League’s best record after nearly six weeks of MLB action.
Naturally, the baseball standards are demanding in Hollywood, and the Dodgers are always seeking ways to improve. With that, a recent outfield acquisition is not going so swimmingly for LA.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Michael Conforto (23), Tommy Edman (25) and Teoscar Hernandez (37) at Globe Life Field.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Coming over from the San Francisco Giants this past offseason, 10-year veteran Michael Conforto has yet to impress in Los Angeles after signing a $17-million deal. Throughout 111 at bats in 2025, he is burdened with a career-low .503 OPS. In his past seven games, he’s logged just one hit.
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As noted, Southern California is a region that comes with lofty baseball expectations. Not only has LA earned two World Series titles this decade (2020, 2024), but their expansive fan base is amongst the most vocal in the majors, and they are beginning to single out Conforto.
On the heels of bringing the Commissioner’s Trophy back to Chavez Ravine, the “Boys in Blue” had priorities of addressing their pitching staff and outfield depth. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ pitchers have been ravaged with injuries and left fielder Conforto has lived on on the struggle bus.
The N.L. West is especially competitive in 2025, and the Dodgers are in Phoenix this weekend for a four-game divisional set versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. In Thursday’s series opening, Conforto took an 0-3 with a walk in the loss, bringing his batting average down to .135 (-0.7 WAR).
Los Angeles is currently operating with four full-time outfielders on the roster: Conforto, James Outman, Andy Pages and Chris Taylor. From there, ultra-utilityman Kiké Hernández is also respectable in the outfield, but he is used mostly around the infield these days.
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The advanced metrics are not any more beneficial for Conforto.
According to FanGraphs, the 32-year old is presently tagged with a .090 ISO, which is worst on the team amongst qualified hitters. A former first-round draft pick by the New York Mets in 2014, Conforto has struck out in 30.1% of his plate appearances this season.
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Conversely, the Dodgers always maintain a strong farm system. Perhaps it is time to call up top-prospect C/OF Dalton Rushing, who’s slashing .323/.442/.521 with Triple-A Oklahoma City this year.
Los Angeles is scheduled Friday for game two against the D-backs at 9:40 p.m. ET. Probable pitchers are Roki Sasaki and lefty Eduardo Rodriguez, which likely gives Conforto the night off.
No lineup from manager Dave Roberts has been given for Friday night’s bid at time of publication.