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Can the Dodgers Rise to the Top of the NL West?

By Aaron Valencia

Jun 15, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) signals to the bullpen during a pitching change in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) signals to the bullpen during a pitching change in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Indians halted the Dodgers from obtaining their longest win streak of the season at seven games.

The 6-game winning streak was the second of this season, when the Dodgers went for back to back sweeps against the Cubs and Cardinals, but fell short in their last game in St. Louis.

The boys in blue are currently tied for the third best record in the MLB with three of the four top teams in the MLB coming from the NL West. With the Dodgers tied for second in the NL West with the Diamondbacks at 41-26.

If the season ended right now, the Dodgers and D-backs would be playing in the NL Wild Card Game with the winner facing the Rockies in the NLDS. If that does end up being the case, the boys in blue would be looking at a tough road to the NLCS. As the Dodgers have struggled against the D-backs with a 3-4 record and a 4-5 record against the Rockies.

Gratefully, the season hasn’t reached the halfway mark and there is plenty of games to see whether the D-backs or Rockies can challenge the Dodgers for their fourth consecutive NL West Title. The Dodgers currently have a 96 percent to make the playoffs and 62 percent to win the division. The Rockies sit at 83 percent and 22 percent with the D-backs at 74 percent and 15 percent in the same categories.

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As of right now, the Dodgers are the favorites in the NL West but need to tip the field of play against both, to ensure they make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

All three teams are well-balanced and similar with great starting rotations, strong bullpens and are backed up with offense from the whole lineup.

The question to answer is whether Los Angeles has what it takes to outperform both Arizona and Colorado?

Oh course! The Dodgers have what it takes to challenge anyone in the MLB. The Dodgers have the best starting rotation ERA in the MLB and lead by the best pitcher in the world, Clayton Kershaw.

The bullpen of the Dodgers is the best in the NL and is finally not a liability. The offense and defense are staying consistent and the depth of the Dodgers is keeping them in stride.

Next: Picking apart Cody Bellinger vs. Aaron Judge

If Los Angeles continues to play like they’ve played as of late and continue to get healthy they’ll be the team to beat in the NL.

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