Dodgers now in first by percentage points in the NL West.

Amazing given their 16-26 start.

Even more amazing given the limited contributions from Kershaw and Turner (both experiencing injury issues), the complete absence of Seager, and the reduced effectiveness of Bellinger, Puig, and Seager (though none of them have been terrible).

They can thank unlikely performances from Ross Stripling, Max Muncy, Matt Kemp, and Joc Pederson -- all of whom were expected to contribute little-to-nothing to the team in 2018.

They're helped by the fact that the NL has no particularly strong teams this year, whereas there are three monsters in the AL (Houston, New York, and Boston), along with a surprisingly good Seattle club.

Dodgers probably finish with the NL's best record when it's all over -- something I thought was impossible after the first 42 games. But this team has shown an ability to run super hot midseason, ever since they went 42-8 in 2013.

I think the Phillies, Braves, and Brewers will all regress in the second half. Will probably come down to the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Cubs as to which one finishes with the best record.