Dodgers Face Key Challenges as Season’s Second Half Begins

The Los Angeles Dodgers have stormed into the second half of the 2025 MLB season atop the National League standings. They’ve racked up a league-high number of wins and hold a staggering 95% probability of clinching their division.

But even with all that momentum, the team faces some real hurdles that could shape their postseason. From nagging injuries to streaky offense, the Dodgers’ quest for back-to-back World Series titles will take resilience and some clever moves.

Injury Struggles Loom Over the Pitching Staff

The Dodgers’ pitching staff has turned in some impressive performances, all while dealing with a steady stream of injuries. Manager Dave Roberts sounds cautiously optimistic, hoping a few key arms return soon to steady the rotation.

Key Pitchers Targeting Second-Half Comebacks

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani are all working their way back from different injuries. Their recoveries look promising, but who knows if they’ll hit peak form when it matters most?

Shohei Ohtani, especially, has flashed his pitching skills—he struck out 10 in nine innings on his return. Roberts now faces the tricky task of balancing Ohtani’s roles as both pitcher and hitter during a tense playoff push.

Bullpen Reinforcements Could Be a Game-Changer

While the Dodgers wait for their starters to heal up, the bullpen has a shot to step up. Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol should be back soon, which could give the middle-relief corps a real boost.

There’s some buzz about the Dodgers possibly targeting a closer at the trade deadline if the late innings keep getting messy. Chasing big-name starters seems unlikely, though, since the market’s pretty thin this year.

Offensive Stars Must Find Their Form

The Dodgers looked dominant on paper during the first half, but their offense didn’t always deliver. The team’s fate still leans heavily on Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who both stumbled at the plate earlier in the season.

Betts, Freeman, and Supporting Cast Under Pressure

Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman can take over games, but their early struggles raised some eyebrows about the offense holding up. Will Smith has quietly kept things steady with reliable production behind the plate.

Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernández have had their moments, but inconsistency lingers. If that trend sticks around, it could haunt the Dodgers in October.

Potential X-Factors to Watch

With Max Muncy out for now with a knee issue but likely back soon, utility guys like Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim might end up plugging holes and keeping things moving. Their late-season contributions could be the jolt the Dodgers need if the offense cools off.

The Path to a Repeat World Series Title

The Dodgers’ hopes for 2025 rest on their ability to get past these setbacks. Health looms as the biggest wildcard, since stars have to not only return, but also get back to their best in the spotlight.

Trade Deadline Moves: Addressing Immediate Needs

The trade deadline’s right around the corner, offering a shot to patch up weak spots—especially at closer, if the bullpen keeps wobbling. Splashy deals for starters don’t seem likely, but small upgrades could make a difference in tight games and let the stars shine when it counts.

Conclusion: Challenges Ahead, But Hope Remains

The 2025 season barrels toward its finish, and the Dodgers stand at a crossroads. Opportunity and adversity are both staring them down.

They’ve got a stacked roster. Strategic reinforcements and the hope that their franchise stars will find their form again keep Los Angeles in the conversation.

They’re still one of the top contenders for another World Series. But can they stay healthy and deliver under pressure?

That’s the real test. The Dodgers’ winning pedigree sets the bar, but nothing’s guaranteed in this league.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Four major questions the Dodgers face in the second half of the season