October 11th, most likely against the winner of the top two Wildcard qualifiers. At the moment, that would be the winner of an Atlanta-San Diego Series. With Philadelphia and San Diego neck and neck for the final wild-card spot, we may see Philly slip into that final slot. A surge by Atlanta could place the New York Mets in that top wild card position as well, so it is still extremely early to predict opponents. Aside from the Dodgers clinching with the best record in the National League, the only thing that looks to be a lock is that St. Louis will win the central with the weakest division leader record, meaning they will play the lowest seeded wildcard team on October 7th and not qualify for the bye.
Atlanta and New York are fighting it out neck and neck for the eastern division crown to the end. This is somewhat reminiscent of last year’s Dodger-Giant’s battle for the western division title. We can only hope that they beat themselves up and put themselves in a weakened state, just as the Dodgers did last year. An Atlanta or New York team making it to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) after a taxing wild card and NLDS series will be at a disadvantage if their pitching staff is not utilized with care. I suspect they noted what happened to the Dodgers last year and won’t make the same mistakes, but I can’t help but think that the Dodgers early clinching gives them the upper hand on both the Mets and Braves going into post season play.
The National League Division Series (NLDS) is again a best of five games series, with the division winner playing host to the first two and fifth games (if necessary). The Dodgers will host their first playoff game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 11th, followed by Game 2 on Wednesday, October 12th. Games 3 and 4 will be at their opponent’s field after a travel day on Friday the 14th , and (if necessary) Saturday, October 15th. There will be no day off between games 4 and 5, even though venues will change back to Dodger Stadium for Sunday October 16th.
Providing that the Dodgers win the NLDS, the best of 7 game NLCS will open at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 18th, followed by game 2 on the following day, the 19th. In the most notable of post season schedule quirks, there will be only one “off” day for this entire series and that is between games 2 and 3. We are looking at seven games played over and eight day span.. Games 3, 4 and 5 will move to the opponent’s field on Oct. 21st, 22nd and 23rd with a return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 24th and 25th for games 6 and 7 if it goes that far. These continuous games were necessitated by the lock out and late start to the season that pushed back opening day about ten days. This will be a white knuckle weak for Dodger fans who will hardly have time to recover from one game to another. Teams will need to methodically select their rosters for this series, as pitching depth will have to be addressed with close to zero rest days.
Because of the late start to the season and reshuffling of the schedule, for the first time the World Series is scheduled to conclude in November. If the Dodgers prevail and win the National League Pennant, they most likely will host Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 in the World Series provided they don’t blow their current five game lead over Houston for the best record in baseball. Games 1 and 2 are scheduled for Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th. After a day off for travel, game 3 will be on Halloween night at the AL Winner’s ballpark, with games 4 and 5 on November 1st and 2nd. The Series will close out back in Los Angeles for games 6 and 7 on November 4th and 5th which would be the latest finish of the Fall Classic in the history of the sport.
Final two weeks of play
In an effort to keep the pitching sharp and stretch out injured players into playoff shape, it will be interesting to see when Tony Gonsolin is penciled in to start a game or simply enter one in relief. It seems rather unlikely that he we be able to take on a workload of over four innings. Then there are relievers Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen and David Price, all attempting to get in work and make the post season roster, which will result is one or two relievers that have had pretty good years, being left off the playoff roster. As bad as Phil Bickford’s overall numbers are, he has been pretty solid for about three weeks now. Additionally, Tommy Kahnle is hitting his stride throwing unhittable stuff in his last two outings. That changeup, “wow!” Never saw that coming.
Do the Dodgers dare keep Craig Kimbrel off the roster and enter the playoffs without a seasoned and experienced closer? It probably should happen. Perhaps they should insert Phillips, Vesia, Kahnle and or Ferguson in closing situations in these final 14 games, just to get them familiarized with that role. The Kimbrel experiment has run out of time and I’m convinced he can’t handle it. Though he had a stretch of scoreless innings, very little of it was in high leverage situations and once one surfaced, he coughed up the lead and lost (at Arizona) and then nearly blew one (Arizona at home). We have rooted for the man, but it just isn’t happening. Kimbrel is a shell of his former self, and it has been this way for several years. There comes a time when we should just cut bait and “let (him) go.”
As far as position players are concerned, the key to these final two weeks is to stay sharp and remain injury free. The day night double header games were proof positive that everything can come tumbling down in an instant with freakish plays as Trea Turner and Chris Taylor both were involved in possible injury causing plays. You can’t emphasize the importance of staying injury free, but it is easier said than done. Muncy’s injury on the last day of the season last year is a prime example of what needs to be avoided. If a player plays soft and not all out, they’re more vulnerable to injury, so it’s really a Catch 22 situation. You want them sharp and ready for the playoffs, but you don’t want them to get hurt. It is nice to win and set all-time records and all, but the goal is to get the ring and anything short of that will be a severe disappointment.
I can see Roberts granting some starters days off and half days. They only have four away games remaining and they don’t leave Southern California for the remainder of the season. Today it is officially autumn, and the dog days of summer are well past us. Now would be a good time for guys to heal from wounds and gain as much strength as possible, while remaining sharp in the process. It is a balancing act that isn’t accomplished easily.
There are concerns with the layoff of almost a week during that first-round bye. They will have to bring up some Triple A guys to help with simulated games that week I suppose. It is never the same but what other option is there? We all remember back in 2007 when a red-hot Colorado Rockies team sat and waited a week for the Red Sox to win the AL Pennant. It threw them off and they were swept in the World Series. The way they were playing before that led me to believe that they had a shot in that series. It would be quite devastating if the Dodgers were eliminated in the NLDS after a record setting number of regular season wins because they lost their mojo due to a well-earned playoff bye week. The first-round bye is in its first year of existence. It will be interesting to see how the four teams that earn the time off will respond. This is the new normal, so teams will have to adjust. Deep rosters are a “must” and I see the Dodgers as easily being the team with the most solid depth.
I just wanted to add one more caveat to all of this. How many of you have this love-and-hate relationship with Dodger post-season baseball? In my case, I love it, but the losses sting so hard that it is difficult to watch, and it is hardly enjoyable. Here we are again, entering that gut-wrenching time of year, but this time it is very different. I believe that this team is probably the best Dodger team I have ever witnessed. Anything less than winning the brass ring will be an extreme disappointment. Shutting everyone up about the “Covid Ring” from 2020 and just taking charge of the season from start to finish is necessary in my eyes. This is a dominant era for Dodger baseball, and that domination will not be recognized historically without another World Series Championship or two. Will that cause them to cave in the pressure setting of playoff baseball? I certainly hope not.
Good planning, Evan!
Sounds like Treinen is toast!
Agree about Kinbrel
The dog days may have come and gone, but judging by the play of the last two games, they are alive and well for the Dodgers. Two days ago, they played flat on defense in the second game of the double-header and didn’t muster much offense. Last night, they rolled back the clock on Mad-Bum and as he held the best offense in baseball to just 3 hits.
After throwing five innings of nothing in his last outing, May was mostly the victim of bad luck by allowing bleeders drive in a couple of runs and had trouble harnessing his command. One step forward, two steps back. His ERA now sits at an ugly 4.5 with a couple more starts to get things right before the postseason starts. Now, there’s rumors that his starting job might be in jeopardy once the season ends. The only other righty starter is still recovering slowly from pitching too many innings compared to the year before.
It seems that the solution is to use piggy backs or possibly openers. **eye roll** To me, it seems like the Dodgers aren’t learning from their own past shortcomings when it comes to new age ideas that don’t necessarily provide results. The good news is, there are a ton of very good pitchers on the staff as a whole. The bad news is, it seems that none of the relievers pitch on back to back nights and none of the starters go deep into games. This can be our undoing.
Time is running on for rehabs and rest. It’s just about time to start our “Spring Training” for the upcoming tournament. Taylor, Thompson, Barnes, Vargas and Alberto shouldn’t be in the lineup on the same night. Last night it resulted in Smith, Muncy and Lux all getting bench time. I certainly hope they don’t plan on platooning everyone once the real games start. I would think it would be important for Lux to get some AB’s against a lefty. And soon, CT3 should start getting used to coming off the bench instead of starting day after day.
The Dodgers haven’t lost two games in a row many times this season, but it does happen to even the best teams, all teams that have ever played the sport. Maybe we’re giving extra rest after a double header and before playing the Cardinals with “The Good” lineup. There’s a fine line between going too hard and going too soft. Last night was a soft effort all around.
Can’t imagine us winning the world series when we cannot put away a team like Arizona.
Keep an eye on the Padres they’re looking good
I can’t imagine the Dodgers winning the 1988 World Series when they lost to the Mets 11 out of 12 times in the regular season.
The Dodgers are 13-5 against the D-Bags. I suppose they should be 18-0?
I’ll take the Dodgers. You take the Padres. How much do you wnt to wager?
Snakes look ok to me. Sneaky tuff.
The Padres might be the most motivated team in the playoffs–if they get a crack at the Dodgers.
Knocking off the hated Dodgers would make their season.
I think Lux shouldn’t sit at all now.
He clearly needs all the infield reps he can get.
Something to ponder while some of us wonder whether we need another reliable SP and Grove is on the roster.
How about Gavin Stone? Bobby Miller may have more upside, as the saying goes, but Stone has been remarkably consistent. His “floor” seems pretty high already. Grove and Pepiot get called up–but Stone has been the superior pitcher in the minors. (If Stone seems a little green still, let’s remember that Julio reached the majors at age 19.)
I’m sure the brain trust has its reasons. In years past future aces Bob Welch and Dave Stewart started in the bullpen.
Sometimes I wonder if the Dodgers’ vaunted depth holds deserving players back, while so much faith is placed in veterans like Kimbrel
Nice write up Evan. It appears most of the pitching reinforcements the fans were expecting for the postseason aren’t going to happen. Even without the additions the Dodger depth in the BP should be enough for the team to be successful in the postseason. But, further injuries to the staff could become a problem.
May looked like he was losing his confidence as the game progressed. This was not the type of outing I was expecting from him. Another issue for the team to evaluate going into the playoff roster. If he shows no improvement in additional starts before the season concludes he may not be on the roster. So, right now it looks like the starters could be Kershaw, Urias, Anderson, and maybe a BP game for the Dodgers. A sweep or one loss in a series would be helpful for the staff (the team and fans too). Time for the offense to step up and make the situation a non issue.
Carry on.
Very good summary Evan, and much truth there B&P.
Having suggested a small trade, and that’s all it would’ve taken to get him off their books, it didn’t surprise me to see Madbum pitch so well. Oh well, too late now. We appear to be a reliable Starter short.
Make no mistake however, having so much time to align the Rotation, with a well rested squad of players, with Home Field advantage all the way, is a massive plus, as well as the fact that it can be planned that Kershaw never climbs the steps onto an aircraft at any time during the Post Season (whether he likes it or not STB!)
Well, if May can performor continue his confidence and control issues, then AHeaney will be the 4th starter, no need for a bullpen start.
Another factor to consider is the weather. It will be ok at Dodger Stadium, but late October in New York, Atlanta and St. Louis can be an adventure. They have been flat the last two games and looked a little listless at the plate last night. It was bad enough that I went to bed during the sixth inning. Philly would not be pleasant to play in either. The Cardinals lost their third in a row last night. They will come in here looking to win. Dodgers lead over the Asterisks is down to 4.
Technically a 4.5 game lead over the cheaters.
I stand corrected. Graterol due to come off of the IL tonight. Nice to have that big arm back in the pen. I think the roster casualty will be Bruihl.
That’s my pick. The bullpen feels a little short with the Grove in the 6 man rotation.
Grove is not short – He’s 6′ 3″! What’s wrong with you?
I was comparing him to you.
There’s a goddamn housefly who’s brave enough to buzz my face and laugh at me and hide when I grab a flyswatter a attempt to hunt his ass to end his pest self. So far it’s fly10 me 0. But it ain’t over till it’s over. But it sure has me stressed. I want to hop back in bed and pull the sheet over my head. Wish I hadn’t of left my front door open long enough for him to sneak in. There’s nothing to fear except fear itself…….and stress…….and well…….Just close the damn door Dodgers and don’t stress till it’s over. We know who to put on the field, we know who we can call on. Don’t try to fix something that ain’t broken and things will work out just fine. Hey Ike and Tina Turner did that song but Ry Cooder did it making it the most beautiful instrumental my ears ever heard. ‘I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine’.
Thanks Mark! Now ain’t that beautiful? It gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. It almost had to have luck to come out so perfect. The simple drumming, both guitars and it was not overdubbed. It all fit together. The title fits the instruments with inspiration and I’ve loved it for 40 something years.
10:10 PM ET
Diamondbacks (70-80)
Dodgers (103-46)
SP Zac Gallen R
12-3 2.52 ERA 164IP 43BB 167K
SP Julio Urias L
17-7 2.27 ERA 158.2 37BB 152K
Confirmed Lineup
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
DH J. Turner R
RF Joey Gallo L
2B Gavin Lux L
LF T. Thompson R
CF C. Bellinger L
Clear-night
0% Rain
75° Wind 5 mph Out
Thursday Dodger Minor League Schedule
5:05 p.m. PT: Tulsa (Nick Nastrini) vs. Wichita (Daniel Gossett)
5:35 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Jon Duplantier) at El Paso (Jay Groome)
09/22/22 Los Angeles Dodgers activated RHP Brusdar Graterol from the 15-day injured list.
09/22/22 Los Angeles Dodgers optioned LHP Justin Bruihl to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
09/21/22 Los Angeles Dodgers sent CF Kevin Pillar on a rehab assignment to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
09/21/22 RHP Ryan Pepiot returned to Oklahoma City Dodgers from Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dylan Hernández
@dylanohernandez
“I hold the right to change my mind, but as of today, I think that I’ve got at least one more run.”
Clayton Kershaw doesn’t see himself retiring after this season:
He has some Astro ass he wants put in to put in their place and do it again.
DODGERS ACTIVATE BRUSDAR GRATEROL
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers activated right-handed pitcher Brusdar Graterol from the injured list and optioned left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City
Graterol, 24, returns from the injured list for the second time this season after being sidelined since September 1 with right elbow inflammation. The Venezuelan right-hander has appeared in 41 games for the Dodgers, and he is 2-3 with a 3.02 ERA (15 ER/44.2 IP) and 39 strikeouts. In parts of four seasons with the Dodgers, he is a combined 7-6 with a 3.65 ERA (45 ER/111.0 IP) and 89 strikeouts. He was originally signed as an international free agent out of Calabozo, Venezuela on August 29, 2014 by the Minnesota Twins.
Bruihl, 25, recorded his first career save on Sunday night against the Giants and he is 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA (10 ER/23.2 IP) and 13 strikeouts on the season. He has been with the Dodgers two seasons, recording a 1-2 record with a 3.40 ERA (16 ER/42.1 IP) and 24 strikeouts in 45 games. He was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on July 15, 2017.
Dodgers To Exercise Club Option On Daniel Hudson
By Anthony Franco | September 22, 2022 at 5:15pm CDT
The Dodgers will exercise their $6.5MM club option for next season on reliever Daniel Hudson, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN (Twitter link). Los Angeles and Hudson have agreed to tack on an additional team option valued around $6.5MM for the 2024 campaign as well, Passan adds.
Hudson returns for a second season in L.A. after signing a one-year guarantee last winter. That deal paid the veteran a $6MM salary for this season and came with a $6.5MM option or a $1MM buyout for next year. That left the Dodgers with a $5.5MM decision to make based on Hudson’s performance this year. The 35-year-old looked well on his way to making that an easy call, dominating opposing hitters for the first two and a half months.
I’m glad to see that!
The Astros seem to be playing relentless ball. They just swept a 3 game series from the Rays by a combined score of 14-3. They now play 4 games against the Orioles. If the Dodgers aren’t careful they will lose their best record in baseball to the Astros. If both teams make it to the WS, Dodgers fans are going to be very upset if they don’t have the home field advantage. There should be no more games benching 2 or 3 starters until they’ve sown up home field advantage. Go Dodgers!
If the Dodgers go 7-6 the rest of the way, the Astros have to go 11-1 to beat them.
Always something
Excellent. Baltimore just beat Houston 2-0
Can’t imagine Houston winning the world series when they cannot put away a team like Baltimore.
😉
Or the Diamondbacks?
Only thing can be said for Kimbrel is…..,well he sure made the game interesting.
Mookie Betts=grand slam single!
We have better options than Kimbrel.
Surely if the NLDS was starting tomorrow, he wouldn’t make it?
Always good to win with a walk off.
Gallen is good. Diamondbacks gonna be useful in a couple of years.
Sort of a classic win… if that’s possible at this point of the season.
Classic because Kimbrel was Kimbrel…. but Mookie was Mookie!
Pretty nice to have that guy as a pinch hitter with the game on the line. Also nice because he’s been scuffling a bit lately.
The other good news is that Muncy remains back on track, and Belli came up big in the 9th.
As for the other bad news, I haven’t witnessed the lowlight, but I understand that Lux is still having some trouble with his throws and decisions. Not that it’s really important, but that mistake may have cost Urias a shot at a 20-win season–and the Cy.
But the Kimbrel Question still looms….
For weeks it seemed that Treinen would be ready. He was the logical alternative.
But now what?
Or rather, who?
Kimbrel got the win!
How is that possible? LOL