Editorials

Recap: Top Performers for the Dodgers in June

Dodgers Record in June: 17-9

After winning 10 of their last 15 games in May, the Dodgers took their momentum into June. Their 17-9 record marked the first time this season that the Dodgers posted a record above .500 during a month. They made their mark with the longball in June as they hit a franchise record 55 home runs this month. The Dodgers advanced to second place in the division during June as they continue to chase the Diamondbacks in the NL West.

With the Bat

Kike Hernandez

June Stats (.266, 7 Home Runs, 13 RBI)

In June Kike Hernandez established himself as a competitor capable of playing everyday. Instead of solely producing a power bat off the bench, he started 19 games. He played around the diamond, defending at each of the outfield positions and the middle infield. Hernandez maintained his power and has already set a career high with 14 home runs on the season.

Max Muncy

June Stats (.289, 10 Home Runs, 16 RBI)

Another player who has already set a new career high in home runs is Max Muncy, who has slugged 17 dingers this year. He also drew 25 walks during the month and his 1.153 OPS in June ranked second in all of baseball. With the All-Star Game only a few weeks away, Muncy may find his way representing the Dodgers in the midsummer classic.

Joc Pederson

June Stats (.283, 10 Home Runs, 14 RBI)

A player who participated in the midsummer classic in 2015, Joc Pederson revived his career with his performance in June. Through the first two months of the season, Pederson was batting .246 with one home run. He returned to his power hitting ways and has cemented himself into the top of the Dodger lineup.

On the Mound

Ross Stripling

June Stats (3-1, 2.48 ERA, 29 IP)

Surprisingly enough, Ross Stripling raised his ERA 30 points this month despite pitching better than any other pitcher in the Dodgers rotation. He threw at least five innings in each of his five starts and allowed three runs or less in each outing. Stripling’s ERA still remains below 2.00 as he may find his way in Washington, D.C for the All-Star Game.

Daniel Hudson

June Stats (1-1, 0.60 ERA, 13 IP)

Daniel Hudson gave the Dodgers fans hope about the bullpen with the way he pitched in June. He allowed just one run all month and lowered his ERA from 6.35 to 3.66. If his success continues, he may become the eighth inning man, bridging the game to Kenley Jansen.

Kenley Jansen

June Stats (2.03 ERA, 9 Saves, 13.1 IP)

With the Dodgers winning more ball games, Kenley Jansen was able to raise his save total to 21 on the season. Although he allowed three runs during the month, he converted all nine of his save opportunities, as he continues to give the Dodgers a reliable arm in the back end of the bullpen.

Analysis

The Dodgers finally produced a winning record this month with much of their roster returning to health. As they set a franchise record for home runs in a month, their production came from all directions. Even players who are not listed such a Yasiel Puig, Cody Bellinger, Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill trended upwards with their performances in June. As the Dodgers enter July, hopefully they can continue their winning ways and move up in the standings.

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Arthur Cribbs

Arthur Cribbs is a journalism student at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He is a lifelong Dodgers fan and when he is not at school, he resides in Los Angeles.

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