The Dodgers are comfortably leading the National League West. Despite two consecutive losses to the Diamondbacks and two consecutive wins by the Padres, Los Angeles is still 6.5 games up in the division. In the NL overall though they've been surpassed by a scorching-hot Philadelphia Phillies club that may be out front all year.
Heading into May the Dodgers were 2.0 games back of Atlanta in the NL. They were tied with the Cubs, 0.5 back of the Brewers and 1.5 back of Philadelphia.
Since May 1 the Dodgers have gone 14-6 and left Atlanta, Chicago and Milwaukee in the dust. The Phillies, meanwhile, have actually gained separation from LA. Over that same stretch they've gone 18-4 as part of a 29-6 run that marks their best 35-game stretch since 1892 (not a typo).
It'd be easy to write this off as "just a hot start" from a team that was in the NL Championship Series last year, but this is more a continuation of last year's finish than a hot streak.
They're also 104-58 over their last 162 games, which is the best mark in baseball. By comparison the Dodgers are a still-impressive 100-62.
Ultimately the Dodgers just need to win their division to punch their postseason ticket. That's something they shouldn't have much trouble doing as long as they're healthy. However, if they want homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, they have a ton of work to do to catch a Phillies club that might just be the best team in baseball.
