I think it does at least as a significant part of the problem. Right now their front line is weak. Julio was good for only a few innings. Kersh was simply not good. Tony G likely should not be out there-It ain't spring training. They keep doing bull pen games because the starters are not going deep into the innings. That is bound to catch up with them. Even if they come back and win the series the next series begins next Tuesday. By then every arm in the pen will be fatigued. All because the Dodgers did not go all out to get a first rate starter after Buehler went down for the season. Bull pen games are fine during the season. Not now and because our starters are not pitching well it looks so far like every game is a bull pen game.
Of course your right when it comes to the offensive struggles. But look back to the last few weeks in the season. They were not hitting like they were when they were tearing up the majors. Betts was slumping, as were others. Then came a week of nothing but practice. Yesterday Betts looked like he might be coming out of it but the rest seem in slumber mode. And if the last two years have shown us anything its that Cody just can't hit anymore. His defense keeps him in the line up. JT may be finished as a Dodger along with Belli. Gallo hasn't seen the field yet-likely for a reason. Even the most consistent hitter Smith is not hitting. On and on.
Yes the offense or lack of it is enormous but until the starting pitchers begin to go deep into the innings I have to disagree that they are not part of the equation.
