The Los Angeles Dodgers are still one of the best teams in baseball despite their recent slump. They have yet to play their best baseball. They currently have the second-best record in the National league and they are tied with Houston for the third best record in the majors. They boost a league leading run differential of +112 and their differential could be better if their pitching was not struggling.

During their last homestand which ended last Sunday, June 5, against the Pittsburgh Pirates and the first place New York Mets the pitching staff and their bats struggled. The pitchers had a 4.16 era and the batters averaged .241 at the plate.

When asked about the state of flux that the arms were in Dodger manager Dave Roberts stated, "We're just not making pitches. We're not executing collectively. From the starters to the relievers, we just got to be better."

Dodger ace pitcher Walker Buehler has labored through his last three starts. Julio Urias has had sporadic performances and future Hall of Famer; Clayton Kershaw is on the injured list with a lower back injury.

Despite the recent struggles, there is room for optimism. With the household names on the pitching staff having their problems, lesser-known pitchers have kept the Dodgers afloat. Tony Gonsolin has gone 6-0 with a low era, and Tyler Anderson is having a career year with his 7-0 start with a career low era of 2.59.

George Laase

Despite the Dodgers recent slump Mookie Betts continues to be one of the best hitters in baseball.

"I don't think we've played our best baseball yet," said Roberts during the last home stand. "It's nice having guys like Tony (Gonsolin) throw the way he has, and Tyler (Anderson) throw the ball the way he has. It's certainly given us a huge lift."

When Buehler and Urias can settle themselves on the mound and Kershaw manages to get healthy, the Dodgers can create some separation in the standings. But, for now, they wait and remain optimistic. The best is yet to come.

The Dogers next home stand starts against the Angels on June 14 and 15.