After the first 50 games of the 2025 MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain atop the National League West Division with a 31-19 record, two games ahead of the San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers, the current Major League Baseball champions, started out as the heavy favorites to repeat the title they won in the 2024 World Series, however, a threatening shadow looms over the Los Angeles team.
Phillies look like a very dangerous team
In the East Division of the same circuit, the Philadelphia Phillies look like a serious contender to snatch the National League and MLB pennants from the Dodgers after a seven-game winning streak.
Former Boston Red Sox reliever and champion Ryan Dempster has put the Phillies as a serious candidate to fight the Dodgers for the National League title.
“Yes, I’m going to say yes, thanks to the rotation,” Dempster said. “Aaron Nola hasn’t even had a good run this year. He’s had a lot of problems, but Zack Wheeler, we all know he’s a real ace. What they accomplished with Jesus Luzardo, Ranger Suarez and Christopher Sanchez, it’s a very deep roster.”
The Phillies are leaders of the National League East with a 32-18 record after a seven-game winning streak, and the starting rotation has been instrumental to their success, with Wheeler and Suarez consistently delivering excellent performances. Despite Jose Alvarado’s suspension, the depth provided by Luzardo and Sanchez has kept the team competitive.
The Dodgers’ starting pitcher injuries
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have faced challenges with their pitching staff. They have 14 pitchers on the injured list, including key starters such as Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki. This has forced manager Dave Roberts to adjust his rotation frequently.
“Look at the Dodgers. How many starters do they start the season with? It’s nine. It turns out they’re going to need 30, because their players are constantly getting injured,” said the 48-year-old former pitcher.
“The depth of their rotation, I think, is what puts the Phillies on top and makes them true contenders against the Dodgers,” he added.
Last season, Philadelphia advanced to the postseason, but were eliminated in the Division Series by losing 1-3 against the New York Mets, but this year, with elite arms and a very dangerous lineup, the Phillies are capable of overcoming the Dodgers and taking away their desire to be champions for the first time in franchise history.
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