Dodgers Prepare for Upcoming Game with Roster Changes

As the Dodgers gear up for their third consecutive home game against the Mariners on Tuesday, they’re set to bring utility player Quique Hernandez back to the active roster.

A day later, they plan to reconsider their approach to Edwin Diaz.

This week also marks Blake Snell’s last scheduled minor league start before returning from the 60-day injured list.

“Good trade deadline, right?” first baseman Freddie Freeman remarked, likening these changes to making a significant midseason acquisition.

The Dodgers seem to be on the brink of something remarkable.

Despite suffering an 8-3 loss to the Mets at Citi Field on Sunday, they managed to secure six wins over a three-series, nine-game stretch following the All-Star break.

Returning to Los Angeles, the Dodgers hold a record of 67 wins and 39 losses, the best in Major League Baseball.

Other contenders should be wary. The Dodgers have been performing consistently well this season. Winning 63% of your games while dealing with key player absences makes one wonder—how much better can they perform once they’re at full strength?

“It’s exciting,” Freeman noted. “[Those] really high-quality reinforcements will be joining us.”

As the season progresses, the Dodgers’ focus is shifting toward preparing for October, rather than fixating on wins and losses.

That preparation involves ensuring all players are in top shape for the postseason, including those dealing with injuries or performance slumps.

Shohei Ohtani’s situation is particularly pressing.

Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching due to ongoing knee issues. He mentioned that batting hasn’t been a problem, but since the All-Star break, he’s hitting just .184 with 10 strikeouts in 41 at-bats.

Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker are also key to the offense’s functionality.

Betts battled an oblique injury early in the season, boasting a .292 average in 16 games before the All-Star break but only .181 since then.

Tucker, meanwhile, has struggled throughout the season but showed signs of improvement, hitting home runs in his first two games against the Mets.

“I feel a lot better,” Tucker stated. “We need more of that.”

The $240 million right fielder acknowledged that keeping confidence is tough: “You have to forget about the last at-bat or game and just move on,” he added. “It can be tough at times.”

If they can figure out a way to unlock Betts, Tucker, or even both, the whole lineup could shift.

Diaz’s return on Wednesday could also greatly influence the bullpen.

The rookie, who was signed for $69 million, had only managed to save four games before surgery to remove a bone chip from his right elbow.

Even without him, the Dodgers’ bullpen had performed decently, though issues arose during this trip, with two out of three losses attributed to right-hander Evan Phillips and Will Klein, who has struggled recently.

“It’s good to have Edwin back,” remarked manager Dave Roberts.

Roberts indicated that Diaz will resume his role as closer. Tanner Scott, who took on the ninth-inning duties during Diaz’s absence, will now have a broader role in late-game situations.

Hernandez’s return brings closure to an infield overhaul that began with Tommy Edman’s return from the disabled list in mid-June. Following Edman’s comeback, Santiago Espinal has played a significant role. Should Hernandez be added, Alex Freeland is likely to be sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Edman has cemented himself as the primary second baseman, with veteran Miguel Rojas stepping in occasionally. Hernandez will add another veteran presence to the infield.

The biggest concern still looms over catcher Will Smith, who has been out for the past six weeks due to an inflamed neck disc. Dr. Roberts has reported there’s been improvement, with Smith no longer experiencing pain and “moving around.”

As for the rotation, the Dodgers are taking a measured approach with their sidelined players.

Snell is expected to pitch four innings on his next minor league rehab assignment, with Roberts stating they will “read and react” regarding his potential return to the rotation next week.

Roberts also expressed optimism about Tyler Glasnow, who has recently started throwing to batters and appears close to commencing a rehab assignment in the minors.

Ohtani, who skipped his final start before the All-Star Game, hasn’t pitched since. A bullpen session in Philadelphia last week was followed by a scheduled session that had to be canceled due to knee issues, which Roberts described as “regression.”

When asked whether this might alter the Dodgers’ perspective on the upcoming trade deadline, Roberts replied, “I don’t think so. I really don’t.”

The Dodgers seem set to bring in a few notable players—who just so happen to already be members of the team.