Four Things The Dodgers Could Improve In The Second Half

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in Major League Baseball at 56-30. They hold a double-digit lead in the National West over their nearest opponent, the San Diego Padres, and they have the best player in baseball with Shohei Ohtani . Right now, it looks like they could breeze into the postseason. But baseball has so many aspects to it, and there is always room to grow. Los Angeles is always pursuing excellence on the road to greatness. Here are four ways the Dodgers can improve in the second half of the season.

Four Things the Dodgers Could Improve in Second Half

Limit the Twin Killings

Los Angeles leads all of baseball in grounding into double plays with 72. Now, they are also the oldest team on the league. Aside from Shohei Ohtani and Andy Pages, they are not known for their wheels. however, many twin killings have squelched offensive momentum in a hurry. The Dodgers have had multiple games of hitting into more than two double plays.

Yes, there have been bad luck cases of line drives being gloved and runners being caught too far off base. However, more often than not, it’s hitters rolling over on pitches. The Dodgers would be better served if they elevated the ball or hit line drives. It’s easier said than done when facing heavy sinkers and major league pitching in general.

#Dodgers lead the majors with 71 GIDPs

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 30, 2026

Putting the Fire Out

The Dodgers are unbeaten when leading after eight innings. The resident closers have done the job when called upon. However, the path getting there has been less than certain. One of the hiccups the Dodgers relief core has experienced is coming in the midst of an opponent’s rally and shutting the team down before another run crosses the plate. Granted it has become more difficult with the three batter minimum, unless it’s the third out of the inning. However, some Los Angeles relievers could improve. Will Klein, Blake Treinen, and Jack Dreyer have all struggled at times this year limiting the damage and allowing inherited runners to score. Their Earned Run averages have ballooned this season over last.

To be fair, both Treinen and Dreyer have spent some time on the injured list. But, some high leverage spots come earlier than expected, and these three need to be more effective. The absence of Edwin Diaz has a domino effect on the rest of the bullpen. Some, such as Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott are handling the shift of responsibility better than others, and the latter need to adjust accordingly.

Better Production Out of Right Field

In signing free agent Kyle Tucker, the Dodgers thought they had solved their corner outfield problem. In some ways it did. The defense has markedly improved. Unfortunately, the offense is slow in coming, particularly at Dodger Stadium. Tucker is hitting for a .230 batting average which is 40 points lower than his career output. In addition, his home runs are down and his strikeouts are up.

Whether he is pressing because of the contract he signed in the offseason, or the assumption that he has to replicate other teammates’ results, it is clear that Tucker is not himself this year. Recently, Manager Dave Roberts moved him down the lineup, and he responded with a four-hit game. Maybe this a sign of things to come from the quiet player.

Get Healthy

It seems the Dodgers are always fighting with injuries, yet they keep winning. Los Angeles is still waiting for several big pieces to get healthy. For example, catcher Will Smith was day-to-day with a stiff neck; he’s missed a month. Utility man Enrique Hernandez has missed all but two games with injuries to his elbow and oblique. Rotation mates Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have missed significant time with an ailing back and arm, respectfully. Last but not least, designated closer Edwin Diaz is rehabbing after having floating bodies removed from his elbow. Will each be healthy in time to chase history?