# Why the Dodgers' Lineup is Struggling | MLB's Biggest Hitting Concerns

An episode of [Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1486883874), 5 Aug 2026, 1 h 04 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6818a1a4eb737caf8ca41879/e/6a73ae4903cb2d2cd87e88e8/media.mp3

The MLB Trade Deadline fallout continues as Tarik Skubal makes his highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie break down Skubal's first start in Dodger blue, what it means for Los Angeles' loaded rotation, and whether the Chicago Cubs' recent success against the Dodgers should change expectations in the National League. The Boston Red Sox continue to surge despite injuries, and the latest updates on Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony provide hope for one of baseball's hottest teams. Plus, the Philadelphia Phillies unveil their new defensive alignment after acquiring Luis Arraez, moving Bryce Harper back to right field while reshuffling the infield for the stretch run. DVR, Eno and Jed also take a deep dive into several contenders who's hitters are underperforming expectations. Are the Brewers becoming too dependent on unexpected offensive contributors heading toward October? Is the Dodgers' lineup showing major flaws ahead of the postseason? Will the Mariners' offensive struggles rediscover their power before October arrives. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Contributor: Jed Lowrie Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis 00:00 - Intro 04:00 -Tarik Skubal Debuts for the Dodgers 10:55 - Red Sox Continue Rolling Despite Injuries 14:25 - Phillies Unveil Their New Defensive Alignment 20:50 - What's Wrong with Christian Yelich? 28:15 - William Contreras & Milwaukee's Offensive Questions 34:30 - Dodgers Hitters Showing Signs of Regression? 44:50 - Should Mariners Fans Be Worried? 49:15 - Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez & Josh Naylor Breakdown #dodgers #brewers #mariners #phillies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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