Despite a 58-39 record at the 2025 All-Star break, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not satisfied, citing poor pitching as a major concern for the stretch run.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the All-Star break in a familiar position: atop the NL West with a stellar 58-39 record. But while fans might be enjoying the midsummer pause, manager Dave Roberts is sending a clear message: what they've done so far isn't good enough. In a candid media session, Roberts expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's first-half performance, setting a demanding tone for the stretch run.
I think you can be satisfied with the first half. I don't think I'm in that situation... I think we just have to get a lot better.
While the Dodgers' offense has often carried the day, Dave Roberts left no doubt about his primary concern. 'I think the balance of wins and losses, and the standings, are excellent,' he stated, before adding the crucial caveat: 'But I think we just have to get a lot better.' The focus of his critique is the pitching staff, which has been uncharacteristically vulnerable. The team's average of 4.63 runs allowed per game ranks a lowly 23rd in Major League Baseball. For a franchise that prides itself on pitching and defense, that number is unacceptable and a clear signal that the front office has work to do before the trade deadline.
The Dodgers aren't just talking about improvement; they're making moves. On Tuesday, the team sent veteran reliever Blake Treinen on a rehab assignment to the ACL Dodgers. This is a massive step forward for the right-hander, whose high-leverage experience has been sorely missed in the bullpen. His potential return could be the single biggest mid-season addition the team makes. In a smaller corresponding move, the club traded righty Noah Davis to the Minnesota Twins, a minor deal that nonetheless shows the front office is actively churning the roster as it evaluates its second-half needs.
The need for arms like Treinen is underscored by the team's lengthy injury report. The bullpen took a season-ending hit with closer Evan Phillips undergoing Tommy John surgery. The team is still hoping for a late-season boost from Brusdar Graterol, who is targeting a possible September return from his own surgery. Meanwhile, Kyle Hurt and River Ryan continue their own rehabs, serving as a constant reminder of the depth the team has lost. Getting healthy, particularly in the bullpen, will be just as important as any trade deadline acquisition.
The All-Star break offers a moment to breathe, but for the Dodgers, it's the calm before the storm. The mandate from the manager is clear: the 58-39 record is a starting point, not a destination. With key players nearing a return and the trade deadline looming, the next two weeks will define whether this team can patch its pitching holes and transform from a good first-half team into a true World Series contender. The push for a championship banner starts now.
