The Dodgers are one of the most historic franchises in not only the MLB but in All of sports. They are currently sitting atop the NL West division with a record of 73-52. All teams go through ups and downs throughout the very long MLB season. The Dodgers started the season strong but with many injuries to both the pitching staff, as well as the lineup, and 2 key players being out of the game, they slowed down a bit, allowing the Padres and Diamond Backs to creep back in the race to win the west. However, now with the return of these players, it could be “a whole new ball game”.
Dodgers’ 2 Key Players Returning to the Game
MLB star, Mookie Betts, returned to the Dodger’s lineup this past week after missing two months with a fractured hand, from being hit by a pitch. Mookie sure didn’t wait long to make a big impact as he hit a home run in his first game back and had two multi-hit games with a pair of home runs. Betts, an elite player who’s been known as one of the game’s most complete players for many years now, comes today with a respectable .306 batting average, 12 home runs, 44 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 76 games played.
Another star and big bat in the Dodger’s lineup, returning to the team is Max Muncy. Muncy has been out for most of the season. He’s had 4 rehab games in the minor leagues and is set to make his return on Tuesday, with a home game against the Mariners. Muncy’s stats in the 2024 campaign don’t tell the whole tale of how important he is to the depth of this Dodger lineup. Muncy comes in today with a .223 batting average with 9 home runs and 28 RBI, which pales in comparison to his 2023 season, where he hit 36 home runs and knocked in 105 RBIs.
One big decision manager, Dave Roberts made with Mookie Betts returning was announcing that Betts would be playing right field instead of 2nd base which he’d been playing for most of his career. He does have experience playing outfield in his past, so the transition to right field should be no problem. Max Muncy, however, returns to the infield to play 3rd base, a position that has been occupied by many different players in his absence, attempting to fill the void of these two players’ offensive production.
Are the Dodgers Headed to the World Series
With these two stars returning, combined with Freddie Freeman and superstar, Shohei Ohtani, one of the best players in the game, there is no question the Dodgers’ offense will be primed to make a run at the World Series. The next step for the Dodgers if they want to make a run at the World Series, will be to get the entire pitching staff healthy. This is something they haven’t been able to do at any point this season.
The ability to both hit the ball and score runs is very important. However, in the playoffs, it comes down to which team has the best pitching. Clayton Kershaw, who’s been back now for about 5 starts, has improved in the last 3, so he looks to be rounding into form. Tyler Glasnow, who most consider to be the ace of the staff, is out right now with an injury. It will be crucial for the Dodgers to get Glasnow back in the rotation as soon as possible, so he’s ready, come October. They also acquired Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline who is a really good addition to the pitching staff.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the odds-on-betting favorites by a slight edge over the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series. With these key returns to the lineup and assuming the pitching staff will be healthy heading into the playoffs, I think they very well should be the favorites.
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