The Los Angeles Dodgers collectively spent parts of the offseason and Spring Training dismissing the notion they would fall into a World Series hangover, and their play to start the 2021 regular season certainly supported that stance.
L.A. jumped out to an impressive 13-2 record behind strong starting pitching and a lineup that carried over much of the same success seen during last year’s championship run. There were series wins against the Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres, and a sweep of the Washington Nationals.
However, a rash of injuries began to set in and the Dodgers remain mired in a collective slump at the plate.