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.
Dodgers have hit 55 home runs this month. The individual leaderboard for June looks like this:
T1. Max Muncy: 10
T1. Joc Pederson: 10
3. Cody Bellinger: 8
4. Kiké Hernández: 7
5. Matt Kemp: 6— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 1, 2018
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.
Max Muncy 10 HR this month (Joc Pederson also has 10 HR this month)
1st time in #dodgers franchise history they’ve had multiple players with 10+ HR in a calendar month— Adnan Virk (@adnansvirk) June 29, 2018
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.
#Dodgers Closer Kenley Jansen has 19 straight saves! ? As part of our ‘Why We Love’ series, tell us why you love the Big Man! Best submissions to be included in the post! pic.twitter.com/VW034Kiivs
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 26, 2018
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.
Why Dodgers Fans Love: Our Closer Kenley Jansen