Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers start their path to the World Series. While they had the best record in the major leagues, they had multiple injuries to important players.
Since injuries have decimated the Dodger starting rotation, many pundits think the Dodgers won’t win the World Series. I don’t think this. The Dodgers have Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and Landon Knack. These starters are quality. If they pitch up to their potential, the Dodgers should advance past the NLDS.
After August, the Dodgers have scrambled to find starters but still found a way to win. This was why the Dodgers needed a buy to have adequate rest for their starters and the bullpen.
The Dodgers have a great bullpen, especially with the addition of Michael Kopech. No media gives the bullpen enough credit. Yes, they are overworked, but during the series against the San Diego Padres. Even without Brusdar Graterol, the relievers can get through many innings without allowing runs.
Kopech gives the Dodgers a bona fide closer. Since coming from the lousy Chicago White Sox, Kopech had a 1.13 ERA. He throws 100+ miles per hour, something that the Dodgers didn’t have.
The Dodgers have Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Joe Kelly, and Daniel Hudson who have competed in previous postseasons and had some level of success. These veterans will be ready.
Alex Vesia has turned a corner in the 2024 season. In previous seasons, Vesia started slowly and finished strongly. This season Vesia has been amazing with a 1.74 ERA in 67 games.
The Dodgers have good defense. After Mookie Betts moved to right field, the Dodgers could play Miguel Rojas or Tommy Edman at shortstop. Rojas has a torn abductor but plans to play on Saturday. If he does and the Dodgers face a left-handed pitcher, they should put Edman at second where he won a Gold Glove. Max Muncy has dramatically improved his defense at third.
Freddie Freeman is still a question mark for Saturday. Last Thursday when the Dodgers clinched the National League Western Division, Freeman rolled his ankle. Since Freeman is tough, the Dodgers expect him to start even though his ankle is still swollen. If Freeman can’t play, Kiké Hernández will play first base.
Unlike in the 2022 and 2023 postseasons, if Betts and Freeman slump, the Dodgers have other hitters who can carry offensive production. Shohei Ohtani just finished one of the best offensive seasons in major league history, and he is excited to participate in his first postseason in the United States.
During the 2024 season, Teoscar Hernández has shown an excellent ability to perform under pressure. He will be a crucial part of the Dodger offense.
Kiké Hernández usually delivers during the postseason in his career.
Edman will continue contributing to the offense. If Gavin Lux and Will Smith continue to contribute to the offense, the Dodgers will be unstoppable.
If the Dodgers lose NLDS, nobody should overreact. The Dodgers experienced unprecedented number of injuries. Though favored, the Dodgers will surprise everyone if they win a world championship.
