With only three weeks left in the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to snatch the second seed in the National League and avoid a wild-card series. Their recent wins over the Colorado Rockies gave them some breathing room as they prepare to host the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium.
The Phillies won two of three games against the Dodgers when the two squads faced each other in April, and are currently six wins ahead of the Dodgers. The Dodgers will need to fight hard down the stretch if they are to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The Dodgers currently hold a two-game advantage over the San Diego Padres as division leaders, and in the case that a tiebreaker comes into play between the two teams, the Dodgers would clinch based on head-to-head record.
In the current playoff picture, the Dodgers would be the No. 3 seed and face the No. 6 seed New York Mets in the wild-card round.
However, shortstop Mookie Betts’ recent performance alongside first baseman Freddie Freeman and pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani still gives them a chance to gain some momentum before it’s too late. With the highly anticipated return of relief pitcher Alex Vesia on Tuesday, the bullpen looks to be much stronger than before as well.
The unclear question right now surrounds the Dodgers’ big acquisitions and whether they can get back on track before the playoffs. Pitcher Tanner Scott and relief pitcher Kirby Yates have had underwhelming performances this season relative to their expected impact on the team. Pitcher Blake Treinen also missed more than three months due to injuries and has not been performing at his best since returning in July.
Both are going to need to play better in the latter part of the season if the Dodgers want to secure a first-round bye, but more importantly, if they are to repeat as World Series champions.
Going forward, each day is another chance for the team’s relievers to earn the trust of Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts.
“This is our pennant race right now,” Roberts said during a press interview after a win against the Rockies. “It started early, and we’ve got to win every game. For me, [it’s about] trusting the guys.”
With a team full of talent, resources, money and determination, the Dodgers are still on track to earn the second seed in the National League. Now, they have to prove it.