The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 79-34 and even with having a 12-game winning streak snapped on Sunday, are in the midst of a remarkable stretch that’s seen them win 35 of 40 games since June 29.
The start of their torrid stretch was just over two weeks after Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his frustrations over a belief that players were too focused on individual statistics.
Roberts publicly criticizing the team came as a surprise. He usually takes a diplomatic approach when speaking with media, and has more forthright conversations with players in private.
Considering that factor, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently said he believed it added more significance to Roberts’ criticism, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I like what he said in that he rarely is critical,” Friedman said of the comments. “So I think when he is, it carries more weight.”
Several players have been involved in the Dodgers going on a tear, notably starting with Mookie Betts, Trea Turner and Freddie Freeman at the top of the lineup.
Max Muncy and Justin Turner have also overcome respective slow starts to the season.
Dave Roberts: NL West best division in baseball
Although many consider the American League East to be the toughest division in baseball, Roberts said last month he believes the NL West still holds the title.
However, that’s been hurt by the San Francisco Giants going into a tailspin and the San Diego Padres dealing with injuries and Fernando Tatís Jr.’s PED suspension.
The Dodgers have nevertheless kept their focus internally and are on pace to set a franchise record in wins while securing a 10th consecutive postseason berth.
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