The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a blazing start in the 2025 MLB season, captivating fans with their star-studded roster and thrilling performances. Fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, the Dodgers are proving they’re not slowing down, with Shohei Ohtani’s historic offensive stats, Clayton Kershaw’s emotional return, and a mix of young talent and veteran leadership driving their success. As of May 22, 2025, the team holds a strong 27-14 record, but injuries and tough competition keep the season dynamic. Here’s a look at the latest news, standout moments, and what’s next for the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani continues to make history. After his unprecedented 50-home-run, 50-stolen-base season in 2024, the two-way superstar is on track for another jaw-dropping year. Through the Dodgers’ first 42 games, Ohtani has already hit 15 home runs, stolen 10 bases, scored 45 runs, and drawn 25 walks, a stat line no other player in MLB history has achieved in such a span. His performance on May 16 against the Oakland Athletics was a highlight, as he went deep twice and drove in six runs during a 19-2 rout, coinciding with a bobblehead night celebrating his 50-50 milestone.
Ohtani’s hardest-hit home run of the season, a 117.9 mph blast against the Miami Marlins on May 5, showcased his raw power. Despite a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder from the 2024 World Series delaying his return to pitching, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said Ohtani is still a couple of months away from taking the mound. For now, his bat and speed keep him in the MVP conversation, with projections suggesting a 47-home-run, 47-stolen-base season if he plays all 126 remaining games.
Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ legendary pitcher, made his first start of 2025 on May 17 against the Los Angeles Angels, marking his 18th season with the team. The 37-year-old left-hander, who underwent offseason surgeries on his left toe and knee, allowed five runs in four innings during an 11-9 loss in the Freeway Series. Despite the rocky outing, Kershaw expressed gratitude for returning to Dodger Stadium, saying, “It’s a special thing to get to go back and pitch at Dodger Stadium. I need to pitch better going forward.” Fans and teammates alike celebrated his resilience, especially after he missed the 2024 postseason due to injury.
Kershaw’s return adds depth to a rotation facing challenges. With Blake Snell sidelined by a shoulder injury and illness, and Tyler Glasnow dealing with shoulder inflammation, the Dodgers are relying on veterans like Kershaw and young stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki to anchor the pitching staff.
The Dodgers’ roster is a blend of established superstars and rising talent. Freddie Freeman, fresh off ankle surgery, is enjoying one of his most productive stretches, batting .475 with a 1.374 OPS over his last 16 games as of May 12. His four-hit performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 11 helped secure a win to cap a successful road trip. Meanwhile, rookie Hyeseong Kim, a former Korea Baseball Organization star, has burst onto the scene. Since his MLB debut on May 3, Kim has posted a .452 batting average with three straight multi-hit games, earning praise for his versatility at second base and shortstop.
Top prospect Dalton Rushing also made waves in his second big-league game, catching Kershaw’s return start and contributing a game-tying ground-rule double and an RBI single against the Angels. Andy Pages, another young standout, has nine home runs this season, including a three-run blast in the same game. However, injuries to key players like Tommy Edman (right ankle) and relievers Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen have tested the team’s depth, with minor-league call-up Matt Sauer stepping up to deliver five solid innings against the Marlins on April 29.
The Dodgers’ recent schedule has been packed with exciting matchups. Their Freeway Series against the Angels from May 16-18 at Dodger Stadium was a rollercoaster, with the 11-9 loss on May 17 highlighting both offensive firepower and pitching struggles. Earlier, a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks saw mixed results, including a thrilling 14-11 comeback win on May 10, powered by Ohtani’s go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth. However, Gabriel Moreno’s grand slam off Yamamoto on May 8 gave the Diamondbacks a 5-3 victory, a reminder of their postseason dominance over the Dodgers in 2023.
A 16-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs on April 12 exposed vulnerabilities, with relievers allowing 17 hits and infielder Miguel Rojas even taking the mound in a lighthearted moment. Despite the setback, the Dodgers bounced back, splitting a series with the Washington Nationals and defeating the Atlanta Braves 10-3 on May 3, thanks to Roki Sasaki’s strong outing.
Injuries remain a concern. Blake Snell’s delayed return due to illness and shoulder issues has strained the rotation, while Glasnow’s shoulder inflammation and Treinen’s forearm strain have taxed the bullpen. Mookie Betts, who battled illness early in the season, has regained his form, posting multiple hits in five of his last eight games as of May 6. Max Muncy, however, is off to a slow start, drawing criticism from some fans, though Roberts remains supportive, citing Muncy’s history of heating up later in the season.
The Dodgers’ 27-14 record puts them on pace for 113 wins, but a recent rough patch, including a series loss to the Cubs, cost them the top spot in ESPN’s power rankings. Still, their offensive depth—led by Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts—keeps them among the league’s elite.
For fans eager to catch the action, the Dodgers have partnered with Spectrum SportsNet LA to launch SNLA+, a blackout-free streaming service offering 24/7 access to games, pre- and postgame coverage, and original programming. Available through the MLB app and MLB.com, it’s a game-changer for local fans, though it’s limited to the Dodgers’ home territory. However, ticket prices at Dodger Stadium have sparked debate, with a family of four facing costs up to $399.68 for tickets, parking, and concessions, the highest in MLB. The cheapest package, for a weekday Marlins game, still runs $249.96, raising concerns about affordability in a city where the median family income is $101,800.
The Dodgers’ upcoming schedule includes a homestand against the Colorado Rockies starting May 23, followed by a road trip to face the San Diego Padres. With Yamamoto emerging as a Cy Young candidate and Sasaki adapting to MLB, the pitching staff’s health will be critical. Ohtani’s potential return to pitching later this season could further elevate the team, while young players like Kim and Rushing add excitement for the future.
As the Dodgers aim to defend their title, their mix of veteran grit, superstar brilliance, and emerging talent makes every game a must-watch. Fans are buzzing about whether Ohtani can chase another 50-50 season and if Kershaw can reclaim his dominance. For now, Los Angeles remains a baseball powerhouse, delivering thrilling moments and keeping the championship dream alive.
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