The Los Angeles Dodgers found themselves in a familiar position this past weekend—locked in a tense series with the San Francisco Giants, with every game carrying postseason implications and every at-bat scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. Yet, for veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, the spotlight shone a little brighter, even as the Dodgers fell short in a dramatic extra-inning contest and lineup decisions reflected the team’s evolving outfield dynamics.
On Friday, September 12, 2025, Michael Conforto provided a rare spark in what otherwise proved a frustrating 5-1 extra-inning loss to the Giants. Conforto, who has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate this season, went 1-for-4, but his lone hit was anything but ordinary. With Justin Verlander dealing on the mound for San Francisco, Conforto stepped up in the seventh inning and launched a solo home run over the right-field wall. That blast would be the Dodgers’ only run of the game, a bittersweet highlight in a contest that ultimately slipped away in extras.
“It felt good to connect, especially against a guy like Verlander,” Conforto said after the game, according to CBS Sports. “But obviously, you want that to contribute to a win. We just couldn’t get the big hit when we needed it.”
Conforto’s home run was more than just a stat on the box score. It marked his first extra-base hit and first RBI of September, a month in which he’s gone 6-for-27 (.222 average) over eight games. For a player who once boasted a reputation as a reliable power threat, this season has been a grind. Conforto’s 2025 slash line sits at .193/.297/.331, with 11 home runs, 30 RBIs, 47 runs scored, and a lone stolen base across 127 games. Those numbers, well below his career averages, have put his role in the Dodgers’ crowded outfield under a microscope.
“I know I haven’t been at my best,” Conforto admitted. “But I’m working every day to help this team however I can. We’ve got a lot of talent out there, and competition is part of the game.”
The competition Conforto refers to is fierce. With the Dodgers’ outfield finally at full health, manager Dave Roberts has a wealth of options. Andy Pages, Alex Call, and Hyeseong Kim have all staked their claims for playing time in left field. Each brings a different skill set to the table, whether it’s Pages’ raw power, Call’s defensive versatility, or Kim’s speed and contact hitting. The result? Every game, every matchup, and every pitching decision influences who gets the nod in the starting lineup.
That dynamic was on full display Sunday, September 14, when Conforto found himself on the bench for the series finale against the Giants. With left-hander Robbie Ray taking the mound for San Francisco, the Dodgers opted for a right-handed-heavy lineup, giving Alex Call the start in left field.
“It’s just about playing the matchups,” Roberts explained in his pregame media session. “Michael’s had some good at-bats lately, but with a tough lefty like Ray, we wanted to get another right-handed bat in there. It’s nothing more than that.”
Interestingly, the recent return of utility man Tommy Edman from the injured list on September 10 has not yet impacted Conforto’s opportunities against right-handed pitching. Edman, known for his ability to play multiple positions, was reinstated just days before the Giants series but has not displaced Conforto from the lineup when the Dodgers face righties. Instead, the team has continued to utilize Conforto in those matchups, suggesting that, at least for now, his role as a platoon outfielder remains secure.
“Tommy brings a lot to the table, but we’re going to keep putting guys in the best position to succeed,” Roberts continued. “Michael’s numbers against right-handers are still something we value.”
For Dodgers fans, the question remains: Can Conforto recapture the form that made him a coveted free agent just a few seasons ago? His 2025 campaign has been marred by inconsistency, but moments like Friday’s home run offer a glimpse of the player he can be. With the playoffs looming and every game carrying added weight, the Dodgers will need contributions from every corner of the roster—including veterans like Conforto who know what it takes to perform under pressure.
The outfield logjam is a good problem for Los Angeles to have, especially with the postseason in sight. Andy Pages has flashed the potential to be a game-changer, while Alex Call’s recent starts demonstrate the coaching staff’s willingness to ride the hot hand. Hyeseong Kim, meanwhile, continues to impress with his ability to get on base and set the table for the heart of the order. For Conforto, the path forward is clear: make the most of every opportunity, whether it’s as a starter against righties or off the bench in key late-inning situations.
“We’re all pulling in the same direction,” Conforto emphasized. “It doesn’t matter who’s out there as long as we’re winning ballgames. That’s the only thing that matters this time of year.”
As the Dodgers continue their push toward October, the team’s depth will be tested. Injuries, slumps, and matchups will all play a role in shaping the lineup from day to day. For now, Conforto remains a valuable piece of the puzzle—even if his role is more specialized than in years past.
Friday’s loss to the Giants was a tough pill to swallow, but it also served as a reminder of the razor-thin margins that define baseball in September. One swing can change a game, a series, or even a season. Michael Conforto knows that better than most. Whether he’s launching a home run off a future Hall of Famer or cheering his teammates from the dugout, his experience and professionalism will be vital as the Dodgers chase another postseason berth.
With the outfield competition heating up and every game magnified, the Dodgers face tough decisions ahead. But if Conforto’s recent power surge is any indication, he’s not ready to cede his spot just yet. The race for playing time—and for playoff glory—is far from over.
