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The Padres swept the Dodgers for the first time since the 2013 series. It pushed the Dodgers back 4 games behind the Giants and they are in danger of falling back into third place. After the Padres sweep, the Dodgers only have a half a game edge over them. We’re basically at the halfway point in the season, so where do the Dodgers stand?
Dodgers dealing with key injuries
The Dodgers were not really the team they hope to be in October. Cody Bellinger only had 2 plate appearances as he is getting eased back into the lineup following his recent injury. Mookie Betts was available for 2 games but looked rather uncomfortable in that time. And, of course, the Dodgers are still without Corey Seager.
While there is never a team that is 100% healthy, the Dodgers are certainly hurting more than most. Despite that they are still owners of the 2nd best winning percentage (.595) in the National League. They are still owners of the 3rd best run differential (+96) in the entire league. The Dodgers are certainly not performing poorly, they just aren’t playing to their true potential.
When will it get better?
Is it time to start worrying? No. It’s way too early for that and they aren’t playing bad baseball. Their only hiccups have come against the Giants and Padres of late. In fact, in their last 13 series, the Dodgers have only lost three of those. Those losses happened to come at the hands of the Braves, Giants, and Padres.
So no, they are not losing their ways. The Dodgers are still winning at an alarming rate. Yes, the Giants are currently winning more games. Yes, the Padres seem to be playing with more urgency. But neither of those teams are hurting quite like the Dodgers. The Dodgers are currently in the middle of playing 12 straight games without a rest day so that certainly won’t help so I expect their upcoming series against the Cubs and the Giants won’t go great.
Dodgers eyeing All Star break
Right now, it seems to be a run out the clock scenario until the All Start break rolls along. Then they can catch their breathe and get to the finish line. They are still favorites to take first in the division but the Giants are showing that they are a serious threat. Whether or not it will continue in the playoffs is another story.
The Dodgers, Giants, and Padres are looking to make it the NL West the division to watch. The Dodgers are the better team but the Giants don’t seem to care what you think. They’re out to prove that money doesn’t buy wins. The Padres are just looking to prove they belong at the table.
