The Los Angeles Dodgers are on fire as they became the first team in Major League Baseball this season to reach 80 wins. The feat was accomplished earlier this week. They now sit at a record of 82-55. They are looking to continue their unstoppable streak and separate from the pack in their divisional race.
Most of the Dodgers’ imperative pieces are now falling into place as of late. They have had many players return from the injured list who have immediately made an impact while other key players will be returning soon.
Can the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their pace and lead the league until the post-season?
Los Angeles Dodgers Push to 80 Wins
The Los Angeles Dodgers 80th win came on Friday night against their closest divisional rival, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since then, they have been able to maintain a five-game lead in the National League West as they head into their series finale with Arizona tomorrow.
During their recent push, excitement has been a theme as their stars have been putting on a show. Saturday night’s win came partly thanks to a trio of home runs from the “Big Three” that elated fans and players alike. Back-to-back-to-back home runs by Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman put the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead early in the game.
Los Angeles saw the return of beloved catcher, Austin Barnes, from the IL on Thursday, Aug. 9. After rehabbing a broken toe, his return had an immediate impact as he went 2-4 with two RBIs. Barnes, not necessarily known for his outstanding performance at the plate, is a veteran catcher whose presence is vital to the clubhouse and many players on the pitching staff.
All aspects of the team have been working together almost seamlessly with contributions from everyone. The mid-season acquisitions of Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech have been more than fruitful for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Edman has been strong with the glove and has stepped up in big moments for the team while batting .295. Kopech has been lights out as he garnered an ERA of just 0.63 in August.
Hope Amidst Hurdles
Though the Los Angeles Dodgers have been surrounded by triumph and positive takeaways, they are still dealing with challenges that may affect them moving forward. Ace, Clayton Kershaw, has now been sent to the 15-Day IL with an injury to his big toe. Though they are not certain, it is expected that he will be ready to go following his IL stint.
While Kershaw will be making yet another exit, two stars are expected to make their long-awaited return. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is on the brink of being reinstated as he had his first minor league rehab start on Aug. 28. He threw 31 pitches, 23 of which were strikes. Elite starting pitcher, Tyler Glasnow has said that “he’s very confident he will return before the end of the regular season and his priority is to be healthy for the Postseason,” according to David Vassegh.
Los Angeles Dodgers Moving Forward
After facing a tough loss tonight against the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers are aiming to take the series from their current rivals in the final game of their series. A loss to them will shorten the Dodgers’ lead in the division, making the NL West race much more tight.
The close race in the division is bringing out the grit of the Dodgers, making them a better team overall. “It’s bringing out the best in us. There are certainly things we need to clean up, but overall we’re competing and winning pitches. That’s fun to watch,” stated manager, Dave Roberts, in an interview with SNLA.
As the season winds down, the Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping to remain just as strong as they are now heading into October. Jack Flaherty will take the mound in their series finale versus Arizona tomorrow as they complete their four-game set.
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