The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, backed by a record-setting $400-million payroll and a star-studded roster poised to chase baseball’s first repeat championship in 25 years. Yet, as the All-Star break arrived, their first half has been a paradox—a blend of brilliance and blemishes that left them atop the National League West with a 58-39 record, a 5½-game lead, and the best odds for a World Series title, but far from the invincible juggernaut many envisioned.
Sunday’s 5-2 extra-innings victory over the San Francisco Giants encapsulated this duality. The Dodgers showcased their strengths while exposing persistent flaws, grinding out a win that secured a key divisional series and sent them into the break on a high note. Manager Dave Roberts summed it up candidly: “The win-loss, the standings are great. But I think there’s just a lot of improvement that we need to do.”
On the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a masterclass, tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits, two walks, and striking out seven. The 26-year-old Japanese right-hander, a first-time All-Star, has been a revelation, boasting a 9-7 record and a 2.59 ERA. His six scoreless outings of six or more innings rank second in the majors, trailing only Tarik Skubal. Roberts praised Yamamoto’s growth, noting his confidence and value to a rotation plagued by injuries. With Tyler Glasnow back, and Blake Snell, Blake Treinen, and Roki Sasaki nearing returns, the pitching staff’s potential remains tantalizing, yet its inconsistency looms large.
The bullpen, however, has been a glaring weak spot. Closer Tanner Scott, signed for $72 million this offseason, epitomized the struggles in Sunday’s game, blowing a 2-0 lead in the ninth by surrendering a two-run homer to Giants pinch-hitter Luis Matos on a poorly placed slider. Scott’s 4.09 ERA and 19-for-26 save conversion rate highlight a bullpen that has allowed eight home runs and remains a priority for upgrades before the trade deadline. Roberts pointed to Scott’s tendency to leave pitches in hittable zones as a recurring issue, underscoring the need for sharper execution.
Offensively, the Dodgers have been a mixed bag. Shohei Ohtani, a leading MVP candidate, has dazzled in his limited pitching appearances but seen his batting dip since resuming two-way duties. His single in the fifth inning on Sunday was his first hit this season the day after a pitching start, a sign of the challenges of balancing both roles. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, meanwhile, have endured uncharacteristic slumps. Freeman broke through Sunday with an RBI double and a go-ahead bloop single in the 11th, but his dry humor postgame—“It’s just good to actually hit a couple balls”—reflected the frustration of recent months.
Will Smith has been a bright spot, leading the NL with a .323 batting average and earning his third straight All-Star nod. But the lower lineup has struggled. Teoscar Hernández, batting barely .200 since a May injury, and Andy Pages, whose .220 average in his last 16 games dimmed his All-Star hopes, have been inconsistent despite contributing in Sunday’s rally. Tommy Edman’s defensive versatility hasn’t offset his 0-for-23 skid to close the first half. “I always expect more from our guys,” Roberts said, a sentiment echoed by the players themselves.
The Dodgers’ first 97 games have been a grind, marked by a seven-game losing streak before their weekend wins against the Giants. Injuries have tested their depth, and slumps have tempered their dominance. Yet, their 58 wins, tops in the NL, and a comfortable division lead keep them firmly in the driver’s seat. Freddie Freeman captured the mood: “First place is first place. I think we’re OK with where we’re at.”
As the Dodgers head into the second half, their pursuit of another World Series remains within reach, but their flaws—bullpen woes, offensive inconsistency, and a battered rotation—remind us they are far from invincible. Sunday’s win was a microcosm of their season: imperfect, resilient, and ultimately successful. For a team with championship aspirations, that may be enough—for now.
