Pitching woes continue for the Dodgers, who have narrow NL West lead despite injuries

The Dodgers are going to get caught by the Padres or the Diamondbacks, guranteed.

No mention that Kershaw is back and pitching well.

What is overlooked is that in spite of a bevy of pitching injuries, the Dodgers are still in the lead. That's because a pitcher need not throw a shut our or just 1 or 2 runs. The hitters pick up on a lot of mediocre pitching results. As the injury list eases -- Kershaw and now, maybe, Yamamoto -- they will still be the team to beat.

I'm more optimistic. Betts and Freeman are back in the lineup and looking good. Muncy and Edmund look like solid acquisitions. Kershaw is back and pitching better with every game. Yamamoto looks like he's about ready. By the playoffs, the Dodgers look like they could be quite formidable. Talented pitchers, a deep bullpen and good hitters . . . solid.