Los Angeles Dodgers Close Out Inconsistent Yet Productive First Half With Statement Win Over Giants Ahead of All-Star Break Reset
The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded the first half of the 2025 MLB season with a 7-3 win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, a result that perfectly encapsulated their campaign to date—uneven at times, marred by injuries and inconsistency, yet ultimately successful. The victory was more than just another tally in the standings; it served as a much-needed reminder of the team’s potential heading into the All-Star break. With the win, the Dodgers improved their record to 54-39, maintaining a narrow lead in the National League West and entering the second half poised for a serious playoff push.
Sunday’s game mirrored many of the Dodgers’ performances this year. There were flashes of brilliance—highlighted by a three-run homer from Mookie Betts in the fifth inning—and moments of concern, including another shaky start from rookie right-hander Landon Knack, who struggled with command early but was bailed out by timely defense and a bullpen that has started to come together after a rough opening stretch.
Manager Dave Roberts didn’t hide his relief in the postgame press conference. “We’ve had our ups and downs, no doubt about it,” Roberts said. “But for all the adversity we’ve faced, we’re in a good spot. Now it’s about recharging and refocusing for the stretch run.”
Indeed, the Dodgers’ first half was defined by its imbalance. At times, they looked like the juggernaut they were projected to be after the headline-grabbing acquisitions of Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But those flashes of dominance were too often interrupted by inconsistency in the rotation, key injuries, and extended slumps from some of their core contributors.
Ohtani, despite missing a handful of games with a hamstring issue in June, has delivered at the plate. Though his power numbers dipped slightly in comparison to his 2023 MVP campaign, his presence in the middle of the lineup has been critical. In Sunday’s finale, he went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base, showcasing the all-around threat he remains. More importantly, the Dodgers have begun to gel around him. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, both All-Star selections, have provided steady leadership and production, with Betts entering the break among the league leaders in on-base percentage.
Still, the road to 54 wins hasn’t been smooth. Yamamoto’s season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, dealing a major blow to the rotation. Glasnow, meanwhile, has been excellent when healthy but has battled through minor ailments that have limited his innings. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has had to patch together starts with young arms like Knack, Gavin Stone, and Ryan Yarbrough, all of whom have had their moments but lack the consistency of frontline starters.
That patchwork approach to pitching has put added pressure on the bullpen, which stumbled out of the gate. For the first month of the season, the Dodgers’ relievers ranked near the bottom of the National League in ERA and WHIP. But in recent weeks, there’s been a noticeable turnaround. Evan Phillips has reclaimed his dominance as the team’s closer, while Alex Vesia and Michael Grove have stepped into critical roles bridging the middle innings. Sunday’s win was a showcase of that growth—four relievers combined to throw five shutout innings, including a scoreless ninth by Phillips to seal the win.
Offensively, the Dodgers remain a threat, leading the league in runs scored and team OPS, but those numbers don’t tell the full story. There have been prolonged slumps from players like Max Muncy and James Outman, while injuries to Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas have thinned out the bench. The Dodgers have often relied on Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani to carry the load, a top-heavy model that works when they’re clicking but becomes vulnerable when even one falters.
Roberts admitted as much last week, saying, “We’ve leaned heavily on our stars, and they’ve responded. But we need more balance in the second half. We need everyone pulling in the same direction.”
One of the more encouraging developments has been the emergence of rookie outfielder Andy Pages, who has provided a jolt to the lineup with timely hits and strong defense. His presence has allowed the Dodgers to better manage their outfield rotation and given Roberts flexibility in late-game scenarios. Pages delivered again on Sunday, going 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored.
Defensively, the Dodgers have been solid, if not spectacular. Betts’ shift to shortstop earlier in the season raised eyebrows but has largely worked out, thanks in part to his elite instincts and adaptability. Freeman remains a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman, and the outfield defense—anchored by Teoscar Hernández and Jason Heyward—has been more than serviceable.
Heading into the break, the Dodgers hold a slim lead over the Padres and Diamondbacks, both of whom have had strong first halves. Unlike in years past, there’s no room for cruise control in the second half. Every game will matter, especially with the team’s grueling August schedule looming—one that includes series against the Braves, Phillies, and Yankees.
The front office, led by Andrew Friedman, is expected to be active at the trade deadline. A rotation upgrade appears to be the top priority, especially with Yamamoto gone and uncertainty around Buehler’s long-term viability. Names like Garrett Crochet and Shane Bieber have been linked to Los Angeles in early rumors, and the Dodgers have the prospect capital to make a splash. A right-handed bat and additional bullpen depth are also on the radar.
Despite the imperfections, the first half can be considered a success, especially given the high expectations and the adversity the team has navigated. The Dodgers are not just treading water—they’re contending, even without being at full strength. The win over the Giants was symbolic, not only because it capped off the first half on a high note but also because it showcased the formula that can lead them deep into October: timely hitting, a resilient bullpen, and leadership from their stars.
As the All-Star break begins, Betts, Freeman, Ohtani, and Phillips will head to Arlington to represent the Dodgers, while the rest of the team takes a few days to recover, reset, and regroup. When they return, it’ll be a sprint to the finish—one filled with pressure, expectation, and opportunity.
Roberts put it best: “We’ve battled, we’ve endured, and we’ve competed. Now, we get a chance to rest and come back stronger. We know what we’re capable of, and we’re going to fight to reach that level consistently.”
That’s the challenge for the Dodgers moving forward—finding consistency amid chaos, turning potential into performance, and reclaiming the dominant identity that has defined them for the past decade. If they can do that, Sunday’s win over the Giants may be remembered not just as the end of the first half, but as the turning point of their season.
