The Los Angeles Dodgers are having a strong start to the 2025 MLB season, holding a 27-14 record and currently leading the highly competitive National League West division. While the team has faced challenges, including injuries to key players and occasional pitching inconsistencies, they’ve shown resilience through standout performances, especially from their offensive lineup. With dramatic comeback victories and moments of brilliance on both sides of the ball, the Dodgers are positioning themselves to maintain their lead in the division. As the season unfolds, they will focus on securing a top spot and building momentum for a successful postseason run.
Freeman’s Remarkable Resilience
First baseman Freddie Freeman is having a strong season despite ongoing ankle issues from surgery on his right ankle, which was injured during last year’s championship run. His recovery has created a ‘new normal’, requiring about an hour and a half of pre-game treatment and additional post-game care to stay on the field.
Navigating Post-Surgery Challenges
The path back to form has been challenging for Freeman, requiring him to accept that prioritizing his current health will benefit him long-term. He started swinging a bat in late January and only ran on the field in mid-February. Despite being generally well by the end of Spring Training, he had to miss the Tokyo Series because of discomfort in his left rib area, a recurring issue from the previous year. Further complicating his start, Freeman aggravated his ankle by slipping in the shower at home after the Dodgers’ first home series and was placed on the 10-day injured list in early April.
Dominance Despite Ailments
Despite these physical obstacles and the ongoing maintenance required for his ankle, Freeman has achieved remarkable results on the field. After a recent 4-for-4 performance against the D-backs, his batting average was an astounding .376. While he does not qualify for batting title consideration due to the time he missed because of his ankle, his 1.171 OPS is second only to Aaron Judge among Major Leaguers with a minimum of 120 plate appearances.
For fans and analysts tracking Dodgers season props, Freeman’s unexpected surge adds a layer of intrigue to projections tied to comeback performance metrics. Manager Dave Roberts described Freeman as “relentless” for his ability to persevere through ailments while swinging a “hot bat,” even expressing surprise upon seeing his .376 average. Freeman’s .376 average through 30 games is 40 points higher than his previous best in a season, which occurred in 2017.
Ohtani Delivering Clutch Performances
Another driving force for the Dodgers has been Shohei Ohtani, who has consistently delivered impactful performances, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Manager Dave Roberts has lauded Ohtani’s clutch ability, going so far as to compare him and Barry Bonds as the two best players he has ever seen, noting he has “never seen anything like what he does in the clutch.” Opposing managers describe Ohtani’s presence as immense, acknowledging his ability to change a game with a single swing.
The Dramatic Comeback Against Arizona
A prime example of Ohtani’s clutch hitting occurred in a recent game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Ohtani stepped up to the plate in a back-and-forth contest where the Dodgers had initially led, surrendered the lead, and found themselves tied in the ninth inning. Following four consecutive hits by his teammates to tie the game at 11-all, Ohtani hit a go-ahead three-run blast into the right-field seats.
This home run capped a dramatic six-run ninth inning, securing a 14-11 comeback victory for the Dodgers. The unique sequence of lead changes in this game led one statistician to note that the Dodgers were the only MLB team in the modern era to lead, trail by 2+, lead by 5+, trail by 3+, and lead by 3+ all in one game.
Expecting the Incredible
Shohei Ohtani’s ability to consistently perform in critical moments has become a hallmark of the Dodgers’ season. His home run against the Diamondbacks, hit at 113 mph off the bat, was described as both unbelievable and unsurprising, highlighting the high expectations surrounding his plate appearances.
Teammate Max Muncy commented that Ohtani keeps being put in spots where you “expect the incredible,” and he “rarely disappoints”. Ohtani acknowledged the comeback game’s passionate nature, noting it was “not the kind of game we play a lot,” but reflected the team’s fighting spirit.
Team Performance and Key Contributors
The Dodgers’ success to date is a result of contributions from multiple players. Beyond the standout performances of Freeman and Ohtani, other players have also made significant impacts, according to the provided statistics.
For instance, Teoscar Hernandez leads the team in batting average (.315) and Runs Batted In (34). Ohtani is the team leader in Home Runs with 12 and hits with 48. Catcher Will Smith boasts the highest On Base Percentage (.419) among qualified players.
These contributions across the lineup complement players’ resilience to overcome physical hurdles, helping the Dodgers maintain their leading position in the NL West standings.
Navigating Challenges and Maintaining Momentum
While the offense has provided numerous highlights, including the dramatic comeback win against the Diamondbacks, the team has also faced challenges. Manager Dave Roberts expressed frustration in one game when the offense “did enough to win,” but the pitching did not perform well, putting pressure on subsequent games.
The game featuring Ohtani’s comeback homer saw the starting pitcher labor and the bullpen surrender leads, including a game-tying grand slam and a bases-loaded walk that put the D-backs ahead. Despite these moments of struggle on the pitching side, the offense has often found ways to pick up the team. This ability to win games in different ways demonstrates the team’s adaptability.
Outlook for the Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as a top contender in 2025, leading the NL West. Key players like Freddie Freeman, who excelled despite ongoing ankle issues, and Shohei Ohtani, who consistently clutched, were crucial to their success. While pitching inconsistencies remain challenging, their resilience and offensive firepower suggest they are well-positioned for a deep postseason run.
