The Dodgers are hitting a bit of a rough patch right now. Even though they’re still tied with the Padres for first place in the NL West, their recent play has shown some cracks. However, the good news is they’re expected to get some reinforcements in September. And that could spell trouble for their $17 million signing, Michael Conforto.

As MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported, once some of the Dodgers’ injured players return, Michael Conforto’s future won’t be as secure. Yes, if the rumors are right, one of the Big Orange’s biggest signings could see his role reduced, or even part ways entirely. It is already confirmed that names like Kike Hernandez, Max Muncy, and Tommy Edman are coming back from the IL in the next few weeks. So, Dave Roberts needs to make space for them, and the first victim might be Conforto.

“The pending returns of the injured players will jeopardize the roster spot of Michael Conforto, whom the Dodgers signed last offseason to a one-year, $17 million contract,” Rosenthal writes. “Conforto, manager Dave Roberts’ ‘pick to click’ during spring training, is batting .183 with a .606 OPS.”

Well, Conforto didn’t come cheap for the Dodgers. He was signed for a one-year $17 million deal and was given the left field responsibility. However, in reality, the result was different. For the unversed, this season, Conforto is hitting .183 with only 9 HRs, and that’s way below his career BA of .244. And wait, there’s more…

In the team ranking, the Dodgers, despite topping the division, are ranked 23rd in OPS. And just when the players are expected to improve their stats, Conforto is currently standing with a -0.9 bWAR! That’s enough reason for the team to think otherwise. Time is ticking for the team, with the playoffs just a few weeks away. This is the time Roberts places a full-squad team, which will spell trouble for Conforto.

The Dodgers are set to throw a full-strength lineup

Since Opening Day, the Dodgers were projected to be the team to beat. But in reality, big names started to travel to the IL, and what’s left was just the bare bones of the roster. However, the fans might just be on the verge of seeing the expected full-strength lineup now.

The team’s rebuilding started with Kike Hernandez. After completing his 10-day IL, Hernandez was recently activated to the roster. But on the other hand, the Dodgers DFAed Buddy Kennedy! Yes, it was a short stint for Kennedy. Notably, he played just 7 games and secured only one hit with 5 SOs! Now, with this trend, we are almost certain that the Dodgers are trimming off their below-par performers to make way for the returning names.

What’s more satisfying for the Dodgers fans is the time when the Dodgers are strengthening. Just when the postseason is about to start, the Dodgers got Shohei Ohtani in his two-way form and the returning superstars from the IL. That’s enough to send a shockwave to the rival teams who still remember last year’s postseason and the Dodgers’ dominance.