Dodgers Stay Dominant Despite Injury Setbacks
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 season not chasing a title, but defending it. Even with more than $100 million worth of pitching talent on the injured list, the Dodgers sit atop the NL West with a 41–28 record. Their success is driven largely by Shohei Ohtani, who continues to rewrite baseball history.
Though the team has shown slight vulnerability, going 11-9 in their last 20 games. Their competitors in the division still face a steep uphill climb. The San Francisco Giants (40–28) and San Diego Padres (38–29) have taken advantage of the Dodgers’ recent slip, but according to former Mets President Steve Phillips, any talk of a power shift is premature.
“This is the Dodgers’ division,” Phillips said on MLB Network Radio. “They’re going to win this division by 10 games. I’m calling it by August 15th, there’ll be a separation between the Dodgers, Giants, and Padres.”
Shohei Ohtani Leading the Charge
While the rotation has been battered, Shohei Ohtani has been sensational as a full-time designated hitter. Slashing .290/.383/.625 with 23 home runs and 39 RBIs, Ohtani is firmly in the lead for the NL MVP. His explosive offense is keeping the Dodgers afloat while the bullpen gets back to full strength.
And now, there’s growing speculation about his return to the mound. In a recent simulated outing, Ohtani threw 44 pitches over three innings, striking out six and hitting mid-90s on the radar gun. The excitement is high, but so are the risks.
“If I’m running the show, I’m waiting until he can throw 75 pitches,” said Trevor Plouffe on the JM Baseball Podcast, suggesting a return just before the All-Star break.
High Risk, High Reward for Dodgers’ Ace
Not everyone is sold on the idea of Ohtani pitching again this season. Alex Rodriguez offered a stark warning:
“If Ohtani gets hurt and makes it 15 pitchers on the IL for the Dodgers, the season is over. The risk-reward just isn’t there.”
Still, the upside is too tempting to ignore. With stars like Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tony Gonsolin already sidelined, Ohtani’s potential return as a two-way force could be the spark the Dodgers need to separate from the pack.
Former Mets President Dismisses the Competition
Steve Phillips didn’t hold back on the Giants or Padres either. He claimed their current position in the standings is “only because of injuries” to the Dodgers.
“There’s no chance for San Diego or San Francisco to edge them out,” he added. “The Dodgers will get healthy, and they’ll run away with the division.”
And history is on his side. The Dodgers have won 11 of the last 12 division titles, including three straight. With Ohtani in MVP form and key arms nearing return, this might be the calm before the storm.
Read More: ‘They Should Pitch Him’- MLB Hall of Famer Shuts Down A-Rod’s Take on Shohei Ohtani
