The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in the National Leagues, and they are back in a familiar position. L.A. isn't favored to win the 2022 World Series, a significant change for the top team of the NL.
The New York Yankees 56 - 21 start July atop the 2022 MLB standings as the World Series favorites. The Yankees have 400 odds at Caesars Sportsbook to win the championship. The Dodgers were favorites for the World Series in the regular season for nearly two straight years, according to ESPN. Los Angeles won the 2020 World Series and was defeated in the NLCS in 2021 after a 106 win regular season.
Los Angeles is the clear favorite in the NL. The New York Mets 47 -- 29 are second with 700 odds, trailing the Dodgers by a half-game for the No. The Dodgers beat the Mets in the standings 3 -- 1 with a victory over the San Diego Padres 46 -- 32 Thursday. San Diego has the NL's third-best record and trails Los Angeles by 2.5 games in the division. The NL West rivals will finish their four-game series this weekend.
The Mets fell out of the top spot with a 3 -- 6 record in their last nine games. The Mets are on a three-game losing streak after being swept home in a short series by the Houston Astros 48 -- 27. The Dodgers and Mets split a four-game series in Los Angeles earlier this season.
Houston has the second-best MLB record. The Astros are sandwiched between the Dodgers and the Mets with 550 World Series odds.
Injuries to the Mets starting rotation have taken a toll on the team. The Dodgers have faced their own health problems, most recently losing reliever Daniel Hudson for the season and outfielder Mookie Betts until at least July 4 with broken ribs.
The Dodgers ace could be out until September. The right-hander was fourth in the NL Cy Young voting last year with a 2.47 ERA.
Julio Urias, Tyler Anderson and Tony Gonsolin have stepped up to give Los Angeles the best NL ERA. The Dodgers lead the league in runs scored. Freddie Freeman is batting 304, and his 876 OPS is good for ninth in the NL. Trea Turner has a 305 batting average and is tied for fifth in the NL with 56 RBI.
The Dodgers are 6.5 games ahead of the San Francisco Giants, 40 -- 34 the first team out of the playoffs. Los Angeles is on pace to win more than 100 games for the fourth straight season.