Shohei Ohtani's 38th HR and a strong start from Dustin May led the Dodgers to a 5-2 win over the Red Sox on July 27. See how the win & a key trade impact LA.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another Shohei Ohtani home run. The Dodgers' superstar launched his 38th homer of the season into the Boston sky, powering Los Angeles to a crucial 5-2 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The win caps a successful series and keeps the Dodgers firmly planted atop the NL West, proving once again that this team finds ways to win, no matter the circumstances.
The Dodgers' playoff odds are currently estimated at 96%, with a 6.7% chance to win the World Series.
While Ohtani's moonshot will grab the headlines, Dustin May's performance on the mound was just as critical. Entering the game with a shaky 6-6 record and a 4.73 ERA, May delivered a much-needed strong start, navigating the Red Sox lineup effectively. Ohtani's two-run homer provided the key offensive spark, pushing his RBI total to 71 in his ongoing MVP campaign. Catcher Will Smith also continued his stellar season, being a rock of consistency in the lineup. The bullpen slammed the door, securing the win and extending the team's winning streak to two games.
The action wasn't just confined to the field this week. The front office made a significant move, trading longtime Dodger Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. In return, LA acquired promising minor league outfielder Mike Sirota and a valuable competitive balance draft pick. While it's tough to see a familiar face like Lux go, the trade signals a clear strategy: build future outfield depth and accumulate assets. This move, coupled with the recent recall of RHP Alexis Díaz from Triple-A to replace the designated-for-assignment Lou Trivino, shows the Dodgers are aggressively managing their roster for both the present and the future.
The team's resilience is all the more impressive considering the state of the injured list. The bullpen shuffle is a direct result of ongoing pitching woes, with Tanner Scott (left elbow inflammation) joining a long list of sidelined arms. The team is still without key setup man Blake Treinen, though his return from a forearm sprain could be imminent, possibly as soon as July 27 or 28. Max Muncy's power bat remains on the shelf with a knee bruise, and the organization has already lost young pitchers River Ryan, Gavin Stone, and Michael Grove for the entire season. Every win feels like a testament to the club's depth.
As the Dodgers leave Boston with a series win, they stand at an impressive 61-43. They are winning with star power, grit, and savvy front-office maneuvering. The next week will be telling, with the trade deadline looming and key reinforcements like Blake Treinen potentially returning to the fold. Can they get healthier? Will there be another big move? One thing is certain: even with all the challenges, the Dodgers remain the team to beat in the National League.
