After splitting a four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers, which saw the team blow leads in the final two games, the Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for a three-game weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals before returning to Los Angeles to face the Mariners. The team is currently the favorite to win the World Series at +360 odds according to crypto sports betting sites, but you wouldn’t expect that, given where they now sit in the standings.
Throughout 2024, the Dodgers have consistently held the top position in the division, never falling below first place or a tie for it. The Padres and Diamondbacks have experienced moments that seemed out of contention, yet they have persistently clawed their way back into the race. Yet suddenly, the National League West division race is shaping up to be thrilling as the Diamondbacks and Padres continue to close in on Los Angeles. What initially appeared to be a one-sided affair is now evolving into a potential three-team showdown as the season progresses.
Back on April 25, the Dodgers extended their lead to 2.5 games. As of August 15, that lead has shrunk back to 2.5 games, marking the first time it has been this close since late April. In the intervening months, the Dodgers’ lead ballooned to as much as nine games by June 20, and it remained at 7.5 games as late as July 25. Meanwhile, the Padres were trailing by as many as ten games on June 18, and the Diamondbacks were 11.5 games behind on July 2.
One might assume the Dodgers have faltered, but their record of 71-50 suggests otherwise. They are on pace for a 95-win season, and their post-All-Star break performance of 15-9 even surpasses their overall winning percentage. The Dodgers recently enjoyed a five-game winning streak before the pair of losses in Milwaukee.
The real challenge for the Dodgers lies not in their performance but in the relentless pursuit by the Padres and Diamondbacks. It’s akin to a top-tier runner maintaining a gold medal pace, only to see competitors closing in with remarkable speed.
The Padres have been on a tear, posting an MLB-best 19-3 record since losing their first game after the All-Star break, gaining 5.5 games on the Dodgers. Despite this impressive run, the Dodgers have managed to maintain their lead. The Diamondbacks, too, have been on a remarkable streak, winning 30 of their last 40 games since losing to the Oakland A’s on June 28, gaining nine games on the Dodgers and four on the surging Padres.
Looking ahead, each team’s schedule strength could play a pivotal role in the final standings. The Dodgers face opponents with a combined winning percentage of .495 over their remaining 41 games. The Padres and Diamondbacks have slightly easier schedules, with opponent winning percentages of .488 and .508, respectively, over their final 40 games.
The Diamondbacks have a challenging road trip, visiting Tampa Bay, Miami, and Boston, which could test their resilience. The Padres have a series against Colorado, Minnesota, and the Mets. At the same time, the Dodgers will host the Mariners, Rays, and Orioles after playing in St. Louis.
Key head-to-head matchups remain, including a four-game series between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks from August 30 to September 2 and a crucial late-season series between the Padres and the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.
As the division race remains tight, fans can anticipate an exhilarating finish. Projection systems favor the Dodgers to win 95 games, with the Padres and Diamondbacks projected at 91 and 90 wins, respectively. Should the standings remain close, the final week promises to be an exciting climax to the season.
