Prior to last Sunday’s series finale between the Brewers and Dodgers at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was finally asked the question which, to this point, had not been asked by members of the media.

It’s not that the question wasn’t on all of their minds, it’s just that they hadn’t asked it out of respect for an eight-year major league veteran who is a really nice guy, this in spite of the fact that it is arguably one of the hottest topics on social media on (nearly) a daily basis:

Why is Logan Forsythe and his horrendous .207 / .267 / .296 / .563 slash line still on the team?

It’s not that the extremely polite 31-year-old Memphis, Tennessee native, who is currently in a third option year of his 2-year / $10.25 million contract (for which he is being paid $8.5 million), is simply mired in a horrible slump, it’s that he is just plain awful and should have been designated for assignment months ago.

In his combined two seasons with the Dodgers, Forsythe has a slash line of .221 / .327 / .318 / .645, and has been – and continues to be – the worst offensive player on the team.

So, what was Roberts’ answer to that uncomfortable question last Sunday?

“I don’t ever doubt [Forsythe’s] preparedness, his focus, his intent,” Roberts said, amidst increasing rumors that Forsythe’s days as a Dodger are numbered. “It’s been a tough go for Logan for two and a half, three months. I think the defense is above average.

“You guys know me, I don’t like to give up on players – especially when they’re doing things the right way – because I think that sends a message to the clubhouse. I appreciate his work. He never once takes his offense out to the defensive side. For me, that means a lot.”

The problem is, Forsythe’s defensive numbers do not support Roberts claim that his defense is “above average.” In fact, it’s actually below average, especially at third base.

As of last Sunday, Forsythe’s fielding percentage at second base was a rather pedestrian .978 and his FPCT at third base an awful .889. As such, saying that Forsythe’s defense is “above average” is a bit of a reach. Also, what kind of message does Forsythe’s continuing struggles send to the Dodgers clubhouse? Do you honestly believe that his teammates don’t realize what’s going on?

While Forsythe continues to hurt his team every time he is in the lineup, backup catcher and utility infielder (including second base) Kyle Farmer is having a very good season at Triple-A Oklahoma City. In the 47 games in which Farmer has played for the OKC Dodgers thus far this season, he has a slash line of .300 / .333 / .479 / .812 – not over-the-top numbers but most certainly better that Forsythe’s numbers.

Sure enough, during Tuesday night’s brutal five-hour and fifty-five minute / 16-inning marathon against the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, Roberts ran Forsythe out there to lead off the top of the 15th inning as (of all things) a pinch-hitter. To the surprise of no one, he struck out on four pitches. And though it is understandable that Roberts had little choice at that point to use Forsythe (with backup catcher Austin Barnes as his only remaining bench player), perhaps a better option might have been to use Clayton Kershaw or Ross Stripling to pinch-hit instead of Forsythe, who is basically the team’s designated out.

But wait, there’s more.

Forsythe came to the plate again with two outs in the top of the 16th inning with Cody Bellinger on third base and Austin Barnes (who Roberts finally brought into the game) on second base.

After working the count to 3-1, Forsythe swung and missed at the next two pitches to take the Dodgers out of their single greatest opportunity to win the game.

Designated out indeed.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts continues to put Logan Forsythe in a position to succeed – like having runners on second and third with two outs in the top of the 16th inning of a 4-4 tie – and Forsythe continues to fail.
(Video capture courtesy of SportsNet LA)

For those who enjoy unusual games, Roberts made things interesting for them. As starting pitcher Rich Hill was warming in the Dodgers bullpen, and having already used closer Kenley Jansen for 1.2 innings, the Dodger skipper elected to take the term ‘super utility’ to a whole new level when he had Kiké Hernandez pitch the bottom of the 16th.

It did not end well.

After issuing one out walks to Phillies shortstop Jesmuel Valentin and catcher Jorge Alfaro, Hernandez threw a batting practice-like 84-mph fastball (that MLB Gameday called a change-up) to Phillies third baseman Trevor Plouffe that landed in the second deck in right-center field for a walk-off three-run home run.

Although novel (and even fun), having Kiké Hernandez pitch the bottom of the 16th inning was a recipe for disaster … and it was exactly that. (Video capture courtesy of SportsNet LA)

But alas, Wednesday is a new day, and barring a rainout (which might not be a bad thing for two very tired teams), there will be another game.

The question, of course, is whether or not Dave Roberts will finally come to grips with the fact that Logan Forsythe can best help his team by playing left out.

Stay tuned…