Buster Olney is calling it: The Los Angeles Dodgers are predicted to miss out on a first-round bye in the MLB postseason, and it all boils down to one huge problem. Their offense has been flat-out struggling, a serious issue that could cost them a critical advantage as they chase a third-straight World Series title.
Ohtani’s Health and a Teamwide Slump
It’s not just a hunch, either. Over the last month, the Dodgers have posted the 10th-worst offense in baseball, with a .702 OPS, just 23 home runs, and 116 runs scored. Shohei Ohtani has missed a few games in a row, clearly not at 100% health. Kyle Tucker has been struggling, and Andy Pages is out due to injury. Olney even suggests they might have to rest Ohtani to get him right for the postseason, even if it means sacrificing the bye.
Atlanta’s Breathing Down Their Neck
Right now, they’re clinging to a one-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for that bye, heading into play on September 7. Olney’s point is sharp: sure, the Dodgers’ schedule looks easier than the Braves’ with their two Phillies series, plus sets against the Rays and Cubs. But those offensive issues? They are very real. He believes a Wild Card bye seems out of reach for them now. This is a tight race for one of the National League’s top two seeds, and their recent offensive woes could make all the difference.
Can the Dodgers’ bats wake up? They need that offense to come alive if they want to secure that bye. The clock is ticking, and with Ohtani’s health also a factor, it’s gonna be a nail-biter down the stretch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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