Full Breakdown
Dodgers Aim for Historic Three-Peat as Postseason Looms
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2026 postseason with a first-round bye after finishing the regular season 99-62, the second-best record in the National League. With the NL Division Series set to begin on Saturday, the club is finalizing a 26-man roster that must accommodate Shohei Ohtani and a rotation shuffled by injuries.
Background & Context
Los Angeles captured World Series titles in 2024 and 2025, the first NL team to win back-to-back crowns since 2020. A $380 million payroll has not insulated the Dodgers from late-season wear: veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman has dealt with a sore knee, and Ohtani missed two weeks on the injured list before returning in late September.
Data & Statistics
- Ohtani’s final five regular-season games: 5-for-21, raising his season average to .275.
- Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal posted a 2.61 ERA over his first ten Dodgers starts, striking out 70 and walking 13.
- The rotation entering the postseason includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Skubal; the bullpen features Edwin Díaz, Roki Sasaki and Tanner Scott.
Official Statements & Responses
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that postseason performance “is a different season” and downplayed regular-season losing streaks against playoff opponents. He noted Ohtani “looked fine” after his return and that the club will treat him as the everyday designated hitter.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman warned that no player will be at “100 % in October,” acknowledging Ohtani’s lingering biceps and knee issues while expressing confidence in roster depth.
General manager Mike Upton indicated the Dodgers will likely carry twelve pitchers for the best-of-five NLDS, leaving the closer role open pending Edwin Díaz’s performance in high-leverage situations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Ohtani’s health: Roberts described Ohtani as “looking better” after his September activation, yet later analysis noted he was “not 100 %” and that his production had regressed to a .184/.259/.224 line in his last 20 games.
- Starting rotation for the final regular-season game: Field Level Media reported a planned start by Tyler Glasnow, while Dodgers Nation’s preview listed a bullpen day with Jack Dreyer potentially appearing. The club has not confirmed the starter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you haven't played a lot,” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “I'm ready to pitch every day,” — Edwin Díaz, reliever
- “Those numbers are great. I think there’s just some things where I could be better,” — Tarik Skubal, pitcher
What’s Next
- The NLDS begins Saturday; the Dodgers will face the winner of the Atlanta Braves–Philadelphia Phillies wild-card series.
- Roster decisions must be finalized during the five-day layoff, with the final 26-man roster announced before the first game.
- Ohtani will continue to bat in the top of the order, while the bullpen will be evaluated for a potential set closer based on Díaz’s recent outings.
The Dodgers’ blend of veteran experience and emerging talent will be tested in October as the club seeks a three-peat.