The Boys in Blue still have a 3.5-game lead in the NL West. Unfortunately for the Dodgers fans, that’s the only good news. The LA Dodgers’ once-dominant grip on the division suddenly feels weak. Despite injuries piling up, their defense remains the biggest problem staring right into Manager Dave Roberts’ eyes. On Sunda’s series sweep against the Milwaukee Brewers, it was clearly visible even though Clayton Kershaw’s good work increased their chances for a win.

Starting on the mound, he cruised through the first three innings with the Dodgers spotting him a 3-0 lead. But the wheels fell off in the fourth innings with three critical defensive errors. First, Tommy Edman, the third baseman, threw the ball over first base, which allowed Andrew Vaughn to score. Then, center fielder Andy Pages missed a routine catch by the warning track to make the score 3-3. In the fifth inning, Esteury Ruiz, the left fielder, made a bad throw that gave Milwaukee extra bases. A runner scored and the batter advanced to third in this instance, helping Milwaukee to climb to a 4-3 deficit.

Every time the Dodgers made a mistake, the Brewers scored. Although with a solo homer, Ruiz found redemption, it wasn’t enough. Ultimately, the Brewers defeated the Dodgers 6-5. Now, LA have lost six of their last eight games at home and ten of their last twelve games since July 4. And with an outing like Sunday, even the usually calm Clayton Kershaw is clearly disappointed with the way the team has performed.

In the post-game interview, Kershaw didn’t hold back, as he stated, “I don’t make anything of it. They beat us. We need to play better tomorrow. I don’t have much to say, I am going to get myself in trouble, so let’s just call it, thanks,” before making a sudden exit.

The outburst began after Kershaw was taken out of the game after 4 1/3 innings. He stepped into the dugout and slammed his glove and cap down, an uncharacteristic action on his part. Talking about that, he had said, “I was just frustrated on myself. Yeah, three runs and I gave up a walk. It’s just frustrating what was what kind of led to that for you.”

Kershaw had a rough day, and his numbers back that up. In his 4 1/3 innings, he gave up five hits, three runs (two earned), one walk, and two strikeouts on 81 pitches. His ERA for the season is presently 3.44, which is high for a pitcher of his level. And those defensive mistakes didn’t help!

Kershaw’s resentment was just the beginning, though. The Dodgers’ difficulties go beyond pitching, as the injury list keeps mounting.

Disaster deepens: Dodgers lose series and Freeman walks away injured

The Dodgers have crossed a threshold, and the frustration was clearly evident in Clayton Kershaw’s words and actions. The sweep by Milwaukee isn’t simply a bad stretch. The problems are piling up. And Freddie Freeman walking out after getting struck on the wrist only added to the problems.

Freeman left the game in the sixth inning after being hit on the left wrist by an 88 mph José Quintana sinker. He grimaced, walked off the field right away, leaving coaches and teammates worried. As Robert said, “I held my breath. Losing a guy like him for any stretch would be tough.”

Although the initial X-rays showed that there was merely a bruise on the wrist, Roberts has Freeman on “day-to-day” list after a left wrist contusion was confirmed. He will now closely monitor his progress.

Not knowing when he will be able to play creates a worrisome situation for the Dodgers. Their defense is falling apart, their relief pitching is getting worse, and now Freeman is hurt. As they get ready for Monday’s game against Minnesota, the Dodgers need to regroup or risk falling much deeper.