Roberts 'can't explain' Dodgers' downswing
The Los Angeles Dodgers are suddenly unable to get a win, and their manager is unable to decipher why.
After surging to an incredible 91-36 record leading into the final week of August, the Dodgers have somehow fallen off the face of the earth, dropping nine consecutive games and 14 of their last 15. During this stretch, they've dropped three of four to the San Diego Padres, been swept by the red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks, and are one loss away Sunday from another sweep, this time at the hands of the Colorado Rockies.
When asked how his club suddenly turned into Major League Baseball's coldest side, a puzzled Roberts was refreshingly honest.
"That's a good question," Roberts told the Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin. "I can't explain it. There's a little bit that seeps in as far as negativity, where at some point you feel like there's nothing you can do."
Related: Poll: Is it time to panic in L.A. after latest Dodgers loss?
Despite the incredible losing streak, the Dodgers' postseason hopes look to still be safe - Roberts went so far as to guarantee a division win earlier this week - thanks to their near-insurmountable 10-game lead in the NL West. They are, however, at risk of possibly losing home-field advantage throughout the postseason, as the Washington Nationals suddenly find themselves five games behind for the top seed in the NL.