The Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers have always had a tense and entertaining rivalry, but in recent seasons, itâs become even more competitive. The 2025 season is shaping up to be another chapter in their growing feud, one thatâs no longer defined just by the Dodgers' dominance, but also by the Diamondbacks' rise and the emergence of players like Brandon Pfaadt.
A Rivalry Thatâs No Longer One-Sided
For years, the Dodgers ran the National League West like a machine. Big-name signings, consistent playoff appearances, and a loaded lineup kept them comfortably ahead of most division rivals. But the Diamondbacks are no longer just hanging around. They made a serious run in 2023, reaching the World Series, and have carried that energy into the 2025 season.
That competitive edge was on full display in their recent games, including a strong showing on May 8 where the D-backs took down the Dodgers 5-3. In that game, it wasnât just the offense that made headlines, Brandon Pfaadt was at the center of the action.
Pfaadtâs Breakout Is Impossible to Ignore
Brandon Pfaadtâs journey to this point wasnât smooth. He had a shaky start in 2023 but turned heads in the postseason and has carried that momentum into 2025. Against a Dodgers lineup that includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, Pfaadt stepped onto the mound on May 8 and delivered one of his most composed starts of the year.
He pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, gave up only four hits, and struck out six. Most importantly, he didnât let the game get away from him. The Dodgers are known for capitalizing on small mistakes, but Pfaadt kept them guessing. His slider was tight, fastball well-located, and he mixed speeds smartly to keep the heart of the Dodgers lineup in check.
This wasnât a one-off performance either. Pfaadt has been putting together a quietly excellent season, improving his ERA and giving the Diamondbacks consistent innings. For a team trying to prove that their 2023 success wasnât a fluke, having a young pitcher like Pfaadt develop into a reliable arm is a game-changer.
The May 19 Matchup Brought More Fuel to the Fire
When the two teams met again on May 19 at Dodger Stadium, the tension was already high. The Dodgers, hosting the second series of the year between the two clubs, were looking to even things out. Arizona had won the previous matchup, and the Dodgers weren't happy about it.
This time, the pitching wasnât as sharp for Arizona, but the energy was still there. Outfielder Teoscar Hernández returned to the Diamondbacksâ lineup, and Hyeseong Kim got a start in center field. The Dodgers, meanwhile, opened with Jack Dreyer and transitioned to Landon Knack as part of a bullpen day.
While the Dodgers managed to take control of the May 19 game, the bigger picture is what matters most. The Diamondbacks are no longer just trying to compete with L.A., theyâre winning games against them, on the road, and with younger talent taking the lead.
A Shift in the NL West Dynamic
What makes this version of the Diamondbacks-Dodgers rivalry different is that Arizona is finally matching the Dodgersâ depth with their own. They're getting meaningful contributions from young players, improving their bullpen, and their offensive core, led by Carroll and Moreno, is maturing quickly.
The Dodgers are still elite. There's no debate about that. But unlike previous seasons, Arizona is not folding when facing them. They're pushing back, and sometimes, theyâre winning key games because of players like Pfaadt stepping up.
This dynamic is changing how fans and analysts look at the NL West. Itâs no longer just the Dodgers at the top with everyone else hoping for a wild card. The D-backs are playing like contenders. Every game against the Dodgers feels like a potential playoff preview, especially when the pitching matchups are close.
What to Expect in the Next Series
With two more series left between these teams in the 2025 season, expect more fireworks. The Dodgers have every reason to come back stronger, but the Diamondbacks arenât playing the underdog anymore, theyâre playing like a team with something to prove.
Brandon Pfaadt will likely get the ball again in one of those games, and if his past performances are any sign, heâs going to make it hard for the Dodgers to find a rhythm. Whether Arizona can maintain their edge depends a lot on young arms like his continuing to pitch with confidence under pressure.
This isnât just a rivalry anymore, itâs a battle for control in the NL West. And this time, both teams are ready for a fight.
