MLB The Show 25: Dodgers Regain the Lead — Can Their Pitching Staff Keep Th...

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After a stretch of uncertainty and midseason hurdles, the Los Angeles Dodgers have climbed back to the number one spot in the MLB mlb 25 stubs power rankings. With a league-best win percentage and a loaded roster, they appear once again to be the team to beat. But even as they bask in the glow of the top ranking, serious questions linger about whether their pitching staff will be able to sustain this pace.

The Dodgers’ strength lies in their offensive prowess. Shohei Ohtani, now fully settled into his new role with the team, has been everything fans hoped for. His bat has added depth and fear to a lineup that already included Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith. Andy Pages has emerged as an unexpected offensive weapon, showing pop and plate discipline well beyond his years. Combined, this group has fueled a relentless scoring machine that leads the National League in most offensive categories.

However, baseball isn’t just about scoring — it’s also about keeping the other team off the scoreboard. And this is where the Dodgers’ vulnerability becomes apparent. Their rotation, once considered among the best in the game, has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Tyler Glasnow started strong but missed time. Roki Sasaki has dealt with setbacks. Blake Snell and Tony Gonsolin have struggled to find rhythm. Only Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been a consistent presence every fifth day.

The bullpen has done its part. Relievers have stepped up, often being asked to pitch more innings than expected. This overreliance, though effective in the short term, is not a recipe for long-term success. Bullpen fatigue is a real concern, especially as the team enters the hot summer months and the grind of a 162-game season intensifies.

Being ranked number one is more than just a reflection of current success — it is a projection of potential. Right now, the Dodgers are excelling despite their flaws. But can they keep this up when the schedule tightens and the stakes rise? The return of key pitchers could make a huge difference. If Snell and Sasaki can get back to form and Glasnow remains healthy, the rotation can stabilize. If not, the Dodgers may find themselves vulnerable to other contenders.

Teams like the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, and New York Yankees are not far behind in the standings or the rankings. These clubs boast deeper pitching staffs and fewer questions surrounding their long-term sustainability. If the Dodgers falter, any one of these teams is poised to jump ahead.

In the end, the Dodgers’ time at number one is a recognition of their offensive dominance, organizational depth, and ability to win games under pressure. But holding that spot will depend on one thing above all else — whether their pitching can rise to the occasion. If it does, they may be unstoppable. If not, they could watch their crown slip away just as quickly as they reclaimed it.