The Los Angeles Dodgers just completed their longest road trip of the season. They posted a 6-4 record during the three-city tour, including splitting a four-game series with the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers could be content with the results due to a depleted starting rotation and Tommy Edman (ankle) and Teoscar Hernández (abductor) on the injured list. However, it is clear that Los Angeles has yet to fully reach its potential in 2025. One of the offensive cogs yet to perform at a high level is left fielder Michael Conforto. The question is, how patient can the Dodgers afford to be as residents of the winningest division in baseball?
Dodgers’ Patience with Michael Conforto Being Tested
An Auspicious Start
The Dodgers signed Conforto to a one-year deal this winter, which moved Teoscar Hernández from left field to right. The power-hitting lefty seemed a logical fit in a lineup laden with stars. Conforto would be an added threat and provide length, as he was one of the best at hitting fastballs in the majors last year. In addition, Dodger Stadium lends itself as a better offensive ballpark for left-handed bats than Conforto’s former home in the city by the bay. For the first two weeks of the season, it was going better than the Dodgers planned. Conforto had a .320 batting average, an on-base percentage of .420, and a slugging percentage of .720, including four doubles and two home runs.
Michael Conforto ties the game!
pic.twitter.com/e08PfVvjTi— Dodgers Territory (@LADTerritory) March 30, 2025
How Low is the Floor?
Since then, the left fielder was mired in an 0-for-30 slump replete with copious amounts of strikeouts and double plays. To put it another way, of 176 qualified hitters, 175 of them had a least one extra-base hit from April 5th to May 3rd. the only hitter who didn’t was Michael Conforto. His batting average has dropped as low as .141 and his OPS to .368. For his part, manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged the deep slump, saying that the left fielder “is grinding right now.” Roberts even considered benching him. However, it appears that the Dodgers are content to let Conforto try and bust his way out of his tremendous slump.
Following the Pattern
Los Angeles has shown similar patience with Andy Pages. The young outfielder was given 150 plate appearances to figure things out. Pages has rewarded their efforts. He has turned his season around and is now hitting a very respectable .286 with six home runs, and has several spectacular catches in the outfield. It appears that Conforto may have a longer leash than 150 plate appearances with which to work.
Signs of Life?
Though the results haven’t happened on the field yet, Conforto’s steady demeanor and work ethic have won him many friends among his teammates. The left fielder has lined out several times, and been greeted enthusiastically by his fellow Dodgers. During the tail end of the road trip, Conforto hit the ball hard several times, and reached base multiple times in back-to-back games, including his first multi-hit game since the first week of the season. He may be on the verge of breaking out of the offensive doldrums.
2-HIT GAME FOR MICHAEL CONFORTO
His first multi-hit game since April 13
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) May 11, 2025
There are already rumors of what the front office might do to address left field next year. However, if the Dodgers are going to be successful in 2025, they will likely need Michael Conforto to have his moment.
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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