Welcome to the California Post’s weekly recap of the Dodgers, where we reflect on the past week, hand out some unofficial awards, and take a closer look at how the season is shaping up.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Who will be Dodgers’ Game 1 starter?
The Dodgers are heading into the final weekend of the regular season having accomplished all their major goals.
They’ve clinched their 13th division title in 14 years, secured a first-round playoff bye to skip the wild card round, and, crucially, they have a fully healthy starting rotation as they aim for a third consecutive World Series title this October.
Earlier in the year, the team’s rotation health was in jeopardy due to injuries to Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, not to mention that Shohei Ohtani had been limited to a hitting-only role. But now, assuming no last-minute issues arise, they’ll field a strong rotation featuring Snell, Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and recently acquired Tarik Skubal.
The only real mystery going into their NLDS bye week is how they will arrange their starters for the best-of-five series.
Yamamoto seems like the best choice for Game 1, thanks to his impressive postseason history and his preference for pitching on five days of rest—unlike Skubal, who typically pitches on four days. If everything goes as planned, Yamamoto could pitch Game 1, Skubal Game 2, making them both available for a possible Game 5—the former on five days’ rest, and the latter on four.
For Game 3, Snell might be the most logical fit, while Glasnow could serve out of the bullpen early in the series before starting in Game 4.
So far, no final decisions have been publicly stated, but the team appears confident about their starting lineup.
Freddie Freeman noted, “We have four No. 1 starters.”
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Will Smith (5 for 12, 2 home runs, 3 RBIs this week; .250 average, 10 home runs, 34 RBIs, .770 OPS this season)
It seems like Smith’s neck injury took longer to heal than anticipated this summer, which, understandably, affected his swing initially after he returned at the start of September. He struggled, posting only a 6-for-35 record in his first 13 games back.
However, this week marked a turnaround for the three-time All-Star.
In his last six games, Smith has posted 8 hits out of 20 at-bats, including three home runs and five RBIs, showcasing his power and discipline at the plate—something that’s crucial for the Dodgers. With star power like Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freeman, it’s players like Smith who will be expected to help create runs from the middle of the lineup.
It looks like he’s finally back to form, which is good news for the team.
PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Edwin Díaz (4 scoreless innings, 8 strikeouts, 1 hit, 1 walk this week; 9.17 ERA, 7 for 11 in save chances this year)
Díaz’s performance this week has shifted his postseason outlook dramatically.
Just a week ago, he was on the verge of possibly missing the playoff roster, yet now he appears to be making a case for earning back his ninth-inning responsibilities.
His mechanics improved thanks to adjustments made during a minor-league rehab stint, allowing him to regain his usual dominance after overcoming a tough season that included losing his closing role.
While it might still be too much to expect him to start the playoffs as the closer, at least he has proved himself as a reliable option in the bullpen.
Manager Dave Roberts even hinted that there might come a time this postseason where Díaz could be called upon to close a game.
PROSPECT OF THE WEEK
The Oklahoma City Comets (Pacific Coast League champions)
A week before the Dodgers kick off their postseason, their triple-A affiliate celebrated some success in the minor leagues.
The Oklahoma City Comets clinched the Pacific Coast League pennant after coming back to win a best-of-three series against their rivals from the Athletics’ organization, marking their second PCL title in four years.
This season’s success was propelled by standout outfield prospect James Tibbs III, who has impressive stats with a .287 average, 30 home runs, and 107 RBIs. Recently, he was joined by another top prospect, Josue De Paula, who made an impact in his triple-A debut after being called up and reached base multiple times in their crucial victories.
Now, the Comets are set to compete in the Triple-A National Championship Game, where they will face the Rochester Red Wings, the farm team of the Washington Nationals.
