Dodgers desperate to end 11-game skid

LONGEST IN L.A.

Dave Roberts is going to try a little bit of everything to help guide his National League-leading Dodgers out of a funk that matches the worst in L.A. team history.

The Dodgers lost their 11th straight game for the longest skid since the club moved to Los Angeles, losing 8-6 to San Francisco early Tuesday morning.

Trying to end the slump, Roberts is even trying getting creative with his lineup.

“I haven’t considered pulling it out of a hat yet,” Roberts quipped. “I haven’t done that.”

Roberts acknowledges his Dodgers are struggling with confidence. The Los Angeles manager himself has endured the toughest stretch of his professional career, counting a 10-year big league playing career — “in any capacity, yeah,” he said.

“Right now, it’s probably wavering a little bit,” Roberts said. “But it’s still the same guys that we had when we were playing really good baseball. So I believe in the mindset, I believe in the talent, and also I’m encouraged at the focus on just winning today. Yeah, there’s a little bit of confidence in there but that’s a part of it when you’re not having success.”

Roberts hopes to soon settle on a regular lineup.

Logan Forsythe and Chase Utley have shared duties at second base, but Roberts said Utley has earned more chances against righthanders. In addition, Yasmani Grandal has been catching more against righthanded starters and Austin Barnes against lefties.

Getting back to basics such as smartly running the bases and capitalizing with strong situational hitting are among Roberts’ focuses.

“There’s a sense of urgency to turn it around,” he said.

“But you see what you got when you go through a tough time like this. Our guys know no one’s going to feel sorry for you. You’ve got to make your own breaks.”