Behind contributions throughout the lineup, the Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a blistering start this season and enter play Monday fresh off a sweep of the Colorado Rockies and riding an MLB-best-tying five-game winning streak.
Offense and strong starting pitching has led the way for the Dodgers, who opened the 2019 campaign by winning each of their first three series. It’s the first time the team has accomplished as much in their current run of six consecutive National League West titles.
Cody Bellinger has been particularly impressive, as he’s broken multiple Dodgers records, joined rare MLB groups and currently leads all players with seven home runs and 18 RBI.
While the Dodgers have put together impressive performances, manager Dave Roberts believes there’s still room for improvement and doesn’t want to see his team become satisfied, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
“I still think there’s more in there,” Roberts said. “I think that to put a complete game together, there’s been a few of them, but we got to still stay hungry.”
A problem spot for the Dodgers, like in previous seasons, has again been the bullpen. Though, specifically Joe Kelly and Brock Stewart. Kelly bounced back with an encouraging appearance in the series finale with the Rockies, and Stewart was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers have also been forced to manage short starts from Walker Buehler and Julio Urias thus far.
What has remained consistent is the team’s laser-like focus and approach on a nightly basis, which should prevent them from becoming complacent.