There's no debate that the Los Angeles Dodgers have been the kings of the National League West for well over the past decade, with 12 of the last 13 division titles going to Dodger Stadium, as the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres have simply struggled to counter the dominance of the team in recent years.
The San Francisco Giants did pull a fast one on the reigning champions in 2021, besting the Dodgers by a single game, though they would go on to defeat the Giants in the NLDS 3-2.
And in these dominant years, it wasn't much of a surprise to see the Dodgers lock up the division around the middle of September, but that hasn't been the case this season, and it's for one reason.
Blown Saves Leading to Blown Season?
According to a report by NBC LA's Michael J. Duarte, the Dodgers bullpen, which has been headed mainly by new Dodger Tanner Scott, has blown 26 saves, allowed a franchise-high 304 earned runs, and also 96 "meltdowns" in the 2025 slate.
A meltdown, for those curious, is a relief appearance where a pitcher's performance significantly harms their team's chance of winning, and is measured by a substantial in win probability added, or WPA.
Given the horridness of the stats listed, and it's no surprise that the team is struggling to clinch the NL West crown with the Padres 2.5 games behind them.
However, with legendary starter Clayton Kershaw now likely coming out of the bullpen for what little is left of his Hall of Fame career, that little move from skipper Dave Roberts could be the turnaround that the Dodger team needs as they fight for their third Commissioner's Trophy of the 2020s.