"Another loss for the degenerate gambler," "Doesn't look like a billion dollar team" - Fans fume as Dodgers offense goes cold in loss against Royals

The Los Angeles Dodgers slumped to a disappointing 7-2 defeat against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday at home. The Royals took advantage of a lackluster outing from the Dodgers offense to level the three-game series.

The Dodgers' third loss in four games was triggered by ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto's early exit due to tricep discomfort after just two innings. With their $325 pitcher out, the team's pitching rotation was left shorthanded. The offense didn't cover themselves in glory either, managing only two runs on the night.

Gavin Lux's two-run single in the fourth was the only one that the Boys in Blue scored. Superstar slugger Shohei Ohtani went hitless in his 3 at-bats, mounting the frustration of fans.

One fan made Ohtani the scapegoat for Dodgers' defeat on Saturday on X.

"Another loss for the degenerate gambler."

Other fans voiced their frustration by targeting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

"This team has no fire 🔥 and that is on Dave Roberts. It is time for a new voice," a fan suggested.

Fans also blamed several other players for their disappointing offensive display against the Royals.

"Where’s the Biggio fans? You told me he gonna be a monster. Strike out 3 times looking, yikes I could’ve done that," quipped a fan.

"Thanks for nothing Barns and Biggio!" wrote another fan.

"This doesn't look like a billion dollar $$ team🤨"

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defends decision to start Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto suffered from right tricep tightness after throwing 106 pitches against the New York Yankees on June 7. Following his remarks, Roberts pushed Yamamoto's Thursday start to Saturday as a precaution.

However, the Japanese ace pulled up short during his first start since the tricep injury last week. Roberts defended the team's decision, saying:

“We wouldn’t pitch him if we felt he was going to put himself in harm’s way,” Roberts said (via MLB.com). "I’ll talk to Yoshinobu myself to get the exact communication, but again, I’ve never put a guy out there that is going to get hurt.”

Yamamoto's injury is concerning for the team's front office as the coveted pitcher has emerged as an early contender for the Rookie of the Year title after producing strong numbers. The only saving grace for the NL West side is that both Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller are nearing a return to action after recovering from their respective injuries.