For so-called superteams like the Dodgers included, there is a universal kryptonite from which even a $300-million payroll isn’t immune.
Walks.
In a 6-3 loss to the San Diego Padres on Sunday, the Dodgers issued 14 of them, shooting themselves again and again and again in the foot to drop a three-game weekend series at Chavez Ravine.
Free passes hadn’t exactly been an issue for the Dodgers this season. Entering Sunday, they had the 11th-lowest walk rate in the majors. But between James Paxton’s wild command (he walked eight in five-plus innings) and more shaky performances from the underbelly of a worn-out bullpen (culminating with a tiebreaking three-spot against J.