The Los Angeles Dodgers have finished the first half of the season with the best record in Major League Baseball at 52-29. With the talent-laden roster they have, it is probably an expected outcome. However, it has been anything but a smooth ride. Injuries and underperforming players have made it a challenging year thus far. With that said, here are three pleasant Dodgers surprises so far: players who have exceeded expectations and have kept the team thriving.
Three Major Dodgers Surprises in Early 2026
Bottom Feeders in the Lineup
Admittedly, the bottom of the lineup has cooled off in recent weeks. However, they have more than their fair share of weight at the plate early this season. Their hot bats fed the offensive momentum that has fueled the Los Angeles attack from the bottom to the top. At one time, they had the highest batting average in baseball. Between Miguel Rojas and Andy Pages (who has now moved up in the order), among others, each has taken their turn delivering punch as needed. They have done an admirable job setting up the top of the lineup by getting on base or driving in runs.
Andy Pages stats the last 10 games. 😬
8-42 (.190)
2 RBI
4 R
10 SOIs it time to move him down the lineup? 👀 pic.twitter.com/iFIHzAJDVC
— DodgersMuse (@LADodgersMuse) June 25, 2026
This has been much needed, as Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker have struggled to find their stroke. Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani have also had much shorter droughts as well. Finally, the prolonged absences of Tommy Edman, Kiké Hernández, and Teoscar Hernández due to injuries further underscore the team’s depth and their ability to rely on the role players’ contributions in the midst of a long and turbulent season.
Great Scott!
Tanner Scott signed a long-term, lucrative deal with the Dodgers at the beginning of the 2025 season. Unfortunately, he struggled mightily last year. Scott gave up a career high in homers, had an ERA above 4.00, and struggled with the location of his pitches, which ultimately led to a bunch of blown saves. Whether it was the inability to stay healthy, mechanical issues, or adjusting to a new team, Scott was less than impressive. He said after one lackluster performance, “Baseball hates me right now.” Scott’s inefficiency was one of the factors that led the Dodgers to sign Edwin Díaz in the offseason.
But injuries intervened yet again. Díaz is on the injured list, recovering from “floating bodies” removed from his elbow. Scott has stepped up in his stead and finally broken out with the Dodgers. He has converted 11 out of 12 save opportunities, often with the thinnest margin of error. His ERA stands at a stingy 2.18. and would be lower had it not been for one outlier outing where he gave up three runs early in the year. He has walked only three batters while striking out 40 in 33 innings. In addition, opponents are hitting for a measly .172 batting average with only three home runs.
This time it’s Tanner’s turn to get Buxton in a big spot, closing the game with a strikeout. pic.twitter.com/CnBm4Og2gg
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) June 25, 2026
Interestingly, hitters were taking advantage of Scott’s ineffective repertoire of fastball-combination last season. They hit the fast ball when it leaked out over the plate, and hit the slider for a .276 average. This year, the batting average has gone down to .113 against the slider. In other words, Scott is looking more like himself and the premier closer Los Angeles thought they signed before 2025.
Renovation to Revelation
Perhaps the biggest of the Dodgers surprises of the first half has been starter Eric Lauer. With Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell on the IL, the Dodgers needed an arm to fill their six-man rotation. The crafty left-hander was struggling as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays with an ERA well over six.
Eric Lauer with the Blue Jays: 36.1 IP. 6.69 ERA. 26 K. 16 BB. 27 ER. 1.49 WHIP.
Eric Lauer with the Dodgers: 28.1 IP. 2.54 ERA. 16 K. 8 BB. 0.92 WHIP. 8 ER.
The Dodgers man. pic.twitter.com/cgmImSgMrq
— Tommy (@TJBennettt37) June 23, 2026
With the Dodgers’ input and coaching, Lauer’s ERA has shrunk by over four runs. The veteran has covered much-needed innings and has given Los Angeles depth. In his latest outing, he no-hit the Minnesota Twins for six innings. The transformation has happened in a short time. The Dodgers do have a history of success with renovation pitching projects, and it seems the veteran starter is just the latest example.
Will the Dodgers Keep Rolling?
The 2026 season is far from over, and the Dodgers are going to need everyone on the roster to execute for the rest of the regular season and beyond if they want to make history by winning a third straight World Series. However, they are off to a good start.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
