The Los Angeles Dodgers, long considered the powerhouse of Major League Baseball, find themselves at a crossroads in the 2025 season. Despite a roster loaded with talent and sky-high preseason expectations, the Dodgers’ campaign has been marred by a relentless wave of pitching injuries and a recent three-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels. Yet, despite these setbacks, the sports betting markets remain bullish on the Dodgers’ prospects.
As of mid-May, the Dodgers are still overwhelming favorites to win the National League West, with odds ranging from -450 to -550. Their path to a National League pennant is also viewed optimistically, as bookmakers list them at +180 to win the league, making them the clear frontrunners.
Regarding the World Series, the Dodgers are again at the top, with odds between +240 and +400, reflecting a strong belief in their ability to overcome adversity and contend for another title. The San Diego Padres, at +650 for the division and +1100 for the NL pennant, and the San Francisco Giants, at +3500 for both, are considered long shots by comparison. Still, their strong starts have injected fundamental uncertainty into the division race.
Pitching Injuries Threaten Dodgers’ Dominance
The optimism from oddsmakers starkly contrasts with the Dodgers’ current reality. The team’s pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, an issue that has only grown more acute as the season has progressed. As of May, Los Angeles has a staggering 14 pitchers on the injured list, with a 15th, Shohei Ohtani, still months away from returning to the mound following surgery. The list of sidelined arms reads like a who’s who of Dodgers pitching: Roki Sasaki is out with a shoulder impingement, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are both dealing with shoulder inflammation, and Clayton Kershaw only just returned after undergoing both knee and toe surgeries. Ohtani, the team’s marquee offseason acquisition, is not expected to pitch until after the All-Star break as soon as possible.
The bullpen has been similarly depleted, with key contributors like Gavin Stone, Emmet Sheehan, River Ryan, Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Kyle Hurt, Michael Grove, and Edgardo Henriquez all missing time.
The latest blow came during the Dodgers’ recent series against the Angels, when veteran reliever Kirby Yates exited with a right hamstring strain after surrendering a crucial three-run homer. Yates had been a key offseason addition, posting a 3.86 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 18.2 innings, but his early departure only deepened the bullpen crisis. The Dodgers’ relievers now lead the league in innings pitched, a sign that the rotation’s instability is forcing manager Dave Roberts to lean heavily on an already overtaxed bullpen.
Freeway Series Sweep Highlights Dodgers’ Vulnerabilities
This lack of pitching depth was glaringly evident during the Dodgers’ three-game sweep at the hands of the Angels. For the first time since 2010, the Angels swept the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, outscoring them 23-15 over the weekend. The Angels’ offense feasted on Dodgers pitching, hitting .307 with 17 runs, four home runs, and eight doubles in the first two games alone. Clayton Kershaw’s much-anticipated season debut was a disappointment, as he surrendered five runs in a shaky outing. In the series finale, Travis d’Arnaud’s tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning sealed a 6-4 win for the Angels, with Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin struggling through four innings after suffering a thumb injury early in the game. Throughout the series, Dodgers hitters struck out 25 times, including 11 in one game, highlighting the team’s struggles on both sides.
Padres and Giants Capitalize on Dodgers’ Struggles
The San Diego Padres opened the 2025 season with a franchise-best 7-0 record, sweeping both the Braves and Guardians. They have maintained their momentum thanks to the offensive spark provided by Luis Arraez and Jackson Merrill and strong pitching from Dylan Cease. The Padres are pressing the Dodgers for the division lead and appear poised to capitalize if Los Angeles falters.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants have posted one of their best starts in franchise history, going 18-10 through 28 games and briefly tying for first in the NL West. The Giants’ bullpen, primarily young reliever Randy Rodríguez, has been a revelation, and the team’s resilience has led to an MLB-leading five walk-off wins. Their ability to rally late in games has made them a legitimate threat in the division.
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers’ 2025 campaign is now at a critical juncture. While the lineup remains potent, with Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman recently returning from injury and Andy Pages emerging as a force, the health of the pitching staff is the single most significant question mark. Kershaw’s return is a boost, but his durability is far from certain at 37 and coming off multiple surgeries. Snell and Glasnow remain without precise return dates, Roki Sasaki is shut down with a shoulder impingement, and Ohtani will not pitch until after the All-Star break as soon as possible. The Dodgers’ depth and experience give them a chance to weather the storm, but the NL West is more competitive than ever. The Padres and Giants are poised to exploit any prolonged Dodgers slump, and the Angels’ sweep is a stark reminder that even the best teams can be vulnerable.
Conclusion: A Season in the Balance
While the Dodgers remain the favorites in the eyes of bookmakers, their season now hinges on the health of their pitching staff. If the injuries persist, the door for the Padres or Giants to seize the division and perhaps more is wide open. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the Dodgers can maintain their dynasty or if 2025 will be the year the NL West crown changes hands.
