Dodgers' Postseason Aspirations Tested by Key Injuries and Slumping Stars
The Los Angeles Dodgers face significant challenges as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Andy Pages are sidelined, while Edwin Díaz struggles, jeopardizing their championship aspirations with the regular season winding down.
As the 2026 Major League Baseball regular season nears its conclusion with only two weeks remaining, several playoff races are poised for dramatic finishes. The American League sees tight contests for division titles and wild card spots, with teams like the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians vying for the AL Central lead, and the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers battling for the AL West. The wild card race is equally competitive, with the Guardians, Toronto Blue Jays, and even the Baltimore Orioles potentially in contention.
The National League features a battle for the final wild card spot between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres, whose final series of the season could decide their fate. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite clinching a postseason berth, are facing mounting injury concerns that could impact their bid for a third consecutive World Series title.
Shohei Ohtani has been placed on the injured list for the first time as a Dodger due to knee and arm issues, ruling him out of pitching in the playoffs and not eligible to return until the season's final weekend. Freddie Freeman is experiencing significant right knee soreness, and Andy Pages, a key offensive contributor, is out indefinitely with a fractured hand sustained from a hit-by-pitch. These injuries cast a shadow over the Dodgers' October prospects.
Adding to the team's woes, relief pitcher Edwin Díaz has struggled significantly in 2026, posting an 11.85 ERA after a strong 2025 campaign. After a stint on the injured list for an arm injury, his return has been difficult, marked by a high number of baserunners and runs allowed. Further complicating the bullpen situation, Edgardo Henriquez, who had been effective in filling Díaz's role, has also been placed on the injured list with back issues. Top prospect Roki Sasaki is also dealing with an IL stint, with his return uncertain.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have demonstrated depth, evidenced by the promotion of top prospect Josue De Paula. However, the compressed timeline for key players to recover and regain form before the postseason presents a considerable hurdle. Securing a first-round bye would offer valuable rest, but it remains uncertain if Ohtani, Pages, Díaz, Freeman, Henriquez, and Sasaki will be fully ready for the National League Division Series.
In contrast, the Milwaukee Brewers are enjoying a strong run with a largely healthy roster and the league's best run differential. With key Dodgers players underperforming relative to their career averages, the Brewers are positioned as potential contenders. The unpredictable nature of baseball is highlighted as teams navigate these late-season challenges.