Dodgers Stars Progress Toward Playoff Availability
Dodgers Stars Progress Toward Playoff Availability
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Key Points
1
The Dodgers entered the final homestand four games ahead of Atlanta for the NL’s No. 2 seed and only two games behind Milwaukee for the top seed, with nine regular-season games remaining.
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Ohtani is eligible to return on Sept. 23, but manager Dave Roberts said he would ideally like the star to take roughly 10–12 at-bats against live pitching before activation; Roberts added that the timetable ultimately depends on Ohtani.
3
Ohtani’s absence has removed a major two-way contributor: before going on the injured list, he had made 14 pitching starts, going 8–2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85⅔ innings, while batting .277 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs.
4
Dalton Rushing’s arm problems have included a slight UCL tear diagnosed in August, which ended his catching duties for the season, followed by a Sept. 5 setback involving his elbow and flexor while he was playing catch. Despite those issues, he has produced a .798 OPS in 78 games, with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs.
5
Andy Pages has been out since Aug. 21 after fracturing his hand and undergoing surgery; he told AM570 that he hoped to return by Tuesday’s series opener against San Diego, within the current homestand.
The NL West-champion Los Angeles Dodgers are racing against the calendar in the final nine regular-season games, balancing playoff seeding with the recovery of star players. Shohei Ohtani, sidelined since August 8 by right biceps inflammation and left knee swelling, is progressing through hitting drills and could return as soon as September 23, though Yahoo Sports reports he has not yet faced live pitching.
Manager Dave Roberts wants Ohtani to take roughly 10–12 at-bats against live pitching before activation, but emphasized that the timeline depends on the player himself. The Dodgers sit four games ahead of Atlanta for the NL's No. 2 seed and chase Milwaukee's top spot, making health management critical for October.
Ohtani's Two-Way Absence Leaves a Massive Hole
Before landing on the injured list, Ohtani was one of baseball's most dynamic contributors. San Luis Obispo reports he had made 14 pitching starts with an 8–2 record, 1.79 ERA, and 95 strikeouts across 85⅔ innings, while batting .277 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs. No other Dodger fills both roles.
Roberts described Ohtani as largely self-directed and requiring minimal managerial intervention. The star has been taking coach-pitch batting practice as his next step toward game readiness. His return would instantly restore offensive and pitching depth as the Dodgers aim for a deep playoff run.
Blake Snell's Groin Issue Treated as Precautionary
Blake Snell exited his start against Cincinnati early due to left groin tightness, but the Dodgers view it as precautionary. Both Snell and Roberts expressed confidence he can make another start next week. The injury poses minimal long-term concern as the club enters the critical final stretch.
Pages and Rushing Race to Join Playoff Roster
Andy Pages has been sidelined since August 21 after fracturing his hand and undergoing surgery. He told AM570 Los Angeles he hoped to return by Tuesday's series opener against San Diego during the current homestand. His speed and outfield defense would bolster the postseason squad.
Dalton Rushing faces a longer recovery path. A slight UCL tear diagnosed in August ended his catching duties, and a September 5 setback involving his elbow and flexor sidelined him further. Despite arm problems, he produced a .798 OPS with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 78 games. Rushing is testing whether a PRP-treated arm will allow him to contribute as a designated hitter or pinch-hitter.
Dodgers Prioritize October Health Over September Wins
With nine games left, Roberts has made player health the priority over seeding gains. The Dodgers' lead over Atlanta and chase of Milwaukee mean every win matters, but Roberts knows October requires a fully armed roster. Each cautious return—Ohtani, Pages, Snell—reflects this balancing act.
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