Dodgers News: LA Climbs Big in Latest MLB Power Rankings
Remember that time in the season that wasn’t so long ago? That time when the Los Angeles Dodgers were floundering in mediocrity and looked far from a team that could be considered World Series contenders?
That time is firmly in the rear view mirror, and the team that was once — rather unbelievably — somewhat of an afterthought as far as October contenders, made a statement that they are indeed back.
The Dodgers went a perfect 7-0 this past week — part of a 12-1 run to begin August — and continued to seize control over a division they’d been third in just two months prior.
That spotless week and eight and a half game NL West lead saw the Dodgers vault up from No. 6 to No. 2 in MLB.com’s latest power rankings, a move that sees them as one of the sport’s top contenders and behind only the Atlanta Braves, who lead the majors with a 75-42 record.
MLB.com is very high on the Dodgers given the tear they’re on, and this is part of what Will Leitch had to say about the now-dominant team.
“The Dodgers weren’t thought of as one of the most aggressive teams at the Deadline, but their additions have been uniformly excellent, particularly Lance Lynn, who is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his three starts with the Dodgers. Don’t look now, but another week like the one they just had and they’ll be within striking distance of the best-in-the-Majors Braves.”
via Will Leitch of MLB.com
Leitch is definitely correct about Lynn, who came to the Dodgers to provide rotation depth, but has become one of the staff’s best pitchers since the trade that sent him west.
Additionally, Amed Rosario has provided an offensive boost since he came to Los Angeles, as he’s hit .289/.304/.556 with three home runs and 11 RBI in just 14 games in Dodger blue.
Mookie Betts has continued his great run this season, as he’s hit .310/.394/.621 with two homers and 10 RBI over the Dodgers’ perfect week.
The same goes for Freddie Freeman. The first baseman who’s in the midst of a career-best season has remained one of the best hitters in MLB, hitting to the tune of an .899 OPS over the past week and a 1.176 mark if that’s extended over the past two weeks.
All in all, the Dodgers have now turned into one of MLB’s best teams.
It’s a familiar spot for the club to be in over the past decade, but it’s one that was far from a certainty at times this season.
Now, they’ve shaken off the rust, filled gaping holes in their roster, and look very much like a team that should make a deep postseason run.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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