Dodgers Dominate Early Season Despite Offseason Additions Struggling
The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again established themselves as the premier team in baseball, boasting a record of 15-4 after defeating the Colorado Rockies (LAD 7, COL 1) at Coors Field. This marks their best start since 1977, and they have now secured four consecutive victories. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts humorously noted the frigid conditions at first pitch, which recorded a chilly 35 degrees, the coldest game for the Dodgers since at least 2000. Key highlights from the Dodgers' strong start include: They are the 44th team in the Modern Era to begin with a 15-4 record or better. Historically, 13 of the 44 teams went on to win the World Series. The Dodgers are heavily favored to clinch the NL West and are strong contenders for a third consecutive World Series title. Interestingly, this impressive performance comes despite limited contributions from marquee offseason signings Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker. Díaz has been less effective since a recent struggle, while Tucker's performance has dipped, currently holding a .236/.341/.347 slash line. Despite this, the Dodgers' lineup remains potent, with six regulars achieving an OPS+ of at least 126. The pitching staff has also excelled, with four starters, including Shohei Ohtani, maintaining a combined 1.88 ERA across 13 starts. The bullpen ranks sixth in ERA and fourth in WAR, demonstrating the Dodgers’ overall depth and resilience. While the road to a third consecutive championship is fraught with challenges, the Dodgers' early dominance signals they are indeed as formidable as anticipated, even as they navigate the struggles of key players.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-18