The Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up the first month of the season sitting pretty at the top of the National League West with a 21-13 record. Through April, they went 16-10, boasting a .277 batting average and a .818 OPS as a team. On the mound, the pitching staff held opponents to a .214 batting average while posting a solid 3.30 ERA. On paper, that sounds like a team firing on all cylinders.

But according to ESPN's David Schoenfield, the Dodgers have been "good" rather than "dominant" so far—earning a B+ grade for April. As the reigning World Series champions chasing a third straight title, the bar is understandably sky-high. "Good? Absolutely. Dominant? We'll see," Schoenfield noted, pointing to a recent offensive slump. Over an 11-game stretch through Saturday's loss, the Dodgers hit just .223/.312/.301 and went 4-7—a rough patch that included a 12-run win.

The biggest blow in April was closer Edwin Diaz landing on the injured list with loose bodies in his right elbow. He underwent surgery to clean things up and is expected to return in the second half. It's a hiccup for a bullpen that otherwise has been solid, but not a season-altering setback.

Schoenfield also highlighted Roki Sasaki as a player to watch. The young starter continues to struggle with walks and home runs, though the Dodgers' deep pitching staff—especially with Blake Snell nearing a return—provides some breathing room. "In the big picture, it's a minor concern," Schoenfield wrote, "but they certainly want Sasaki to develop as a starter."

Speaking of returns, the Dodgers are getting healthier just in time. Left-hander Blake Snell (left shoulder fatigue) and infielder Mookie Betts (right oblique strain) are both expected back in May. Getting two of their biggest stars back in the lineup and rotation could be exactly what the Dodgers need to shift from "good" to "dominant" as the season heats up.