LOS ANGELES DODGERS (53-43, 1ST PLACE, NL WEST) BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
BIG PICTURE
The Dodgers are again contending for the National League West title, which would be their sixth in a row, while drawing upon their extraordinary depth to offset significant injuries to four starting pitchers plus shortstop Corey Seager’s season-ending elbow injury. Mindful of the tight division race, the franchise’s World Series championship drought dating to 1989 and the excellence of three American League clubs, the front office has been focused on acquiring impact talent, and the Dodgers were considered the front-runners to acquire Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Dodgers hitters combined for 55 home runs in June, a team record for a month, and went 17-9 to climb back into the race.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
Max Muncy became one of the most productive hitters in the big leagues one year after the Oakland Athletics released him. His 22 home runs in 225 at-bats showed off his excellent plate discipline. Call it a near-tie between losing Seager in late April and Clayton Kershaw going on the disabled list twice.
TRADE-DEADLINE FORECAST
The Dodgers figure to get a setup reliever and Baltimore was expected to trade shortstop Manny Machado to them at press time. Minnesota second baseman Brian Dozier also was a possibility.
KEY SERIES
vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Aug. 30-31, Sept. 1-2
Tom Krasovic