PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Dodgers are the standout franchise in baseball.

No one evaluates talent better than the Dodgers.

No one nurtures their players as well as the Dodgers.

No one secures more wins in the regular season than the Dodgers.

However, as we approach the conclusion of what is considered the most highly-anticipated season in their history, the reality of October looms closer, bringing with it a sense of dread.

Let’s be honest: you don’t invest $1.3 billion during the off-season, witness Shohei Ohtani putting on a spectacular performance, fill Dodger Stadium every night, and rake in massive amounts from Japanese ads, only to find yourself with the same odds of winning the World Series as the Minnesota Twins.

Despite boasting the best record in baseball, the Dodgers once again face the threat of postseason disappointment – and this year, the warning signs have been apparent throughout the season.

Just when the Dodgers had hoped future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, 36, would come back to aid the team, they now find themselves questioning whether he’ll pitch for them again.

Kershaw faced only seven batters in his game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night before leaving due to a bone spur in his toe—following a home run by Corbin Carroll off a 67-mph curveball, the fourth-slowest pitch of his career. He has now been placed on the injured list, casting uncertainty over his future.

“This is not a positive situation,” acknowledged Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “There’s swelling and pain, He’s giving it his all, but he has a lot of wear and tear on him.

“It’s truly unfortunate and frustrating for the entire team.”

Kershaw’s injury is just one in a series of pitching troubles for the Dodgers.

If the postseason commenced tomorrow, their starting rotation would feature Jack Flaherty (10-6, 3.07 ERA), Gavin Stone (11-5, 3.33 ERA), Walker Buehler (1-4, 5.88 ERA), and Bobby Miller (2-3, 7.25 ERA).

Yikes.

Additionally, star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, signed for $325 million, has been sidelined since June 15 due to a strained rotator cuff and is currently in the rehabilitation phase.

Tyler Glasnow, another trade addition who just inked a five-year, $136.5 million extension, has missed two weeks due to elbow tendinitis and has just begun light tossing.

Buehler, who returned from Tommy John surgery in May, has struggled with a 5.88 ERA and has not completed five innings in the majority of his starts.

Now, Kershaw, who made just seven starts (2-2, 4.50 ERA) after fighting shoulder issues in the first half of the season, faces an uncertain future.

“There are not many answers at this time,” Kershaw remarked, having allowed nine hits and nine earned runs in just 1 ⅓ innings (60.75 ERA) in his previous two matches against the Diamondbacks going back to last year’s playoffs.

For now, the Dodgers will have to count on their impressive lineup.

Ohtani, their $700 million star, achieved the historic feat of being the first player to record 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a stretch of 78 games, solidifying his status as a frontrunner for the MVP award.

Teoscar Hernandez, playing left field, has become the power hitter the Dodgers needed with 28 home runs and 87 RBIs.

Mookie Betts is back on the field, excelling in right field, consistently demonstrating his prowess.

Second baseman Gavin Lux has made a strong comeback, boasting a .328 batting average with a .605 slugging percentage in the latter half of the season.

Third baseman Max Muncy, returning after a three-month absence, has accumulated four doubles, two home runs, and six RBIs in just nine games.

First baseman Freddie Freeman, who missed three games due to a broken right middle finger, made a strong return by hitting a two-run homer on Friday.

Offensively, the Dodgers remain one of the most formidable teams in baseball, ranking second in total runs and leading the National League in total bases.

The bullpen also remains solid, especially with the acquisition of Michael Kopech, who has struck out 20 batters of 50 he faced, boasting a stellar 0.63 ERA.

However, the shaky rotation continues to cause sleepless nights for Roberts and the Dodgers’ management, even as they maintain a five-game lead in the NL West.

“We’ve faced similar challenges before,” Roberts noted, recalling last year’s disappointing three-game sweep against the Diamondbacks in the NLDS. “It’s a memory that’s hard to shake. The last couple of years have been truly disappointing;

“We’re showing improvement, but nobody expects this to be easy.

“We still have many questions looming.”

And time is running out to find answers.

October, a month that has famously eluded the Dodgers in their pursuit of a World Series for 36 years, is fast approaching.

Around the Bases

– New York Mets starter Sean Manaea, barring unforeseen

under certain conditions may choose to opt out of his contract, making him a free agent for the third year in a row, and positioning himself for a potentially lucrative multi-year deal.

Manaea agreed to a two-year, $26 million contract in the off-season, but he has the option to leave the remaining $13.5 million in 2025, setting the stage for another free agency this winter.

“I like to think of it as an exciting journey,” Manaea shared with YSL News Sports. “It’s a bit stressful not being with a team for much of the off-season, but it’s all part of the experience.’

Is he hoping for a long-term contract instead of these yearly short-term deals with opt-outs?

“I’m not sure,” Manaea admitted. “I’ve never had the chance for something like that.”

Given his impressive season, he might find such options available to him.

He’s had an outstanding season, boasting a record of 10-5 with a 3.51 ERA over 26 starts, which includes 149 strikeouts in 143 and two-thirds innings.

“He has been absolutely fantastic,” said Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso. “He’s been on fire for us.”

Manaea, who studied Cy Young contender Chris Sale before facing Atlanta on July 25, lowered his release point similar to Sale. As a result, he has enjoyed remarkable success, going 4-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in his last six starts, striking out 48 batters over 37 and two-thirds innings and finishing five of those starts in the seventh inning or later.

– The Los Angeles Dodgers are thrilled to have acquired reliever Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox in their deal involving utilityman Tommy Edman, leaving the Kansas City Royals feeling frustrated.

The Royals were very interested in Kopech as well, but the White Sox declined to trade him within their division.

Now, the Royals can only watch as Kopech evolves into one of the top relievers in baseball, allowing just three hits and one run over 13 and one-third innings while striking out 19.

He seems like a completely different player compared to his previous stats of 2-8 with a 4.74 ERA, where he allowed 59 baserunners in 43 and two-thirds innings with the White Sox.

“When we signed him, he was good but a bit inconsistent,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “His talent was always evident. I initially thought he would serve as a mid-leverage reliever with potential to step up. I certainly didn’t expect his rapid development, but he’s proven himself worthy. He’s become a powerful asset in our bullpen, which was something we were lacking.”

“He turned out to be one of those clever trade deadline acquisitions.”

– The Royals, who attempted to trade for Chicago White Sox outfielder Tommy Pham at the deadline but were once again denied due to division restrictions, finally acquired him after he cleared waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

This was a smart move, particularly after losing first baseman Vinny Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs, for the rest of the season.

– This has been an unusual season for Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. He missed three games recently due to a fractured right middle finger and had previously sat out eight games last month to care for his three-year-old son Max, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome—a rare neurological disorder that temporarily left him paralyzed and requiring extensive therapy.

“A lot has happened in the past six or seven weeks,” Freeman reflected. “This has been a lot for our family. I’ve been focused on ensuring my kids are okay, that my wife Chelsea is coping, and that my family is doing well.”

“Now, I’m back and giving everything I can to the game.”

Roberts commented, “He’s been carrying a heavy emotional burden for quite a while.”

– A hearty congratulations goes out to Dusty and Melissa Baker, as their son Darren is being called up by the Washington Nationals for his major-league debut on Sunday.

Ironically, the Nationals are facing the Chicago Cubs, two teams managed by Baker during his Hall of Fame career.

– Oh, how we miss Brian Sabean.

The San Francisco Giants (68-68) have managed a winning record only once since 2016.

– Baseball executives are surprised that Texas Rangers GM Chris Young has yet to secure a contract beyond this season.

Despite a challenging year, they are still the reigning World Series champions and are expected to rebound in 2025.

– Please stop the speculation about the Washington Nationals trying to resign Juan Soto. He is very likely heading to the New York Yankees or New York Mets, with the Toronto Blue Jays and possibly the San Francisco Giants making attempts too.

– The discussion has shifted from whether the White Sox will surpass the 1962 Mets for the most losses in baseball history (120) to how many games they’ll be behind that record by the end of this season.

Just how bad are they?

On May 17, the Yankees had a record of 31-15.

As of August 30, the White Sox stand at 31-105.

It’s astonishing to remember that just three years ago, the White Sox were 93-69, while the Orioles and Diamondbacks each finished at 52-110. This year, the White Sox are set to break the record for the most losses, while the Orioles and Diamondbacks might face off in the World Series.

– Try to find any pitcher or scout who doesn’t believe that the baseballs have been juiced since mid-summer.

– Believe it or not, the St. Louis Cardinals won their first game at Yankee Stadium on Saturday for the first time since October 12, 1964, during Game 5 of the World Series.

The winning pitcher that day? Bob Gibson.

– The Padres can finally relax after a grueling stretch of 18 games in 18 days, counting 27 games in 28 days. Additionally, they’re set to welcome back key players Yu Darvish, Fernando Tatis Jr., and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim by mid-September.

September will offer five scheduled off-days starting Tuesday, which will allow their strong bullpen some much-needed rest heading into the stretch run. The Padres’ bullpen ranks as the best in baseball following their acquisition of Tanner Scott, Jason Adam, and Bryan Hoeing at the trade deadline, with those three relievers collectively recording a stunning 1.50 ERA over 38 appearances.

Clearly, third baseman Manny Machado has also played a crucial role in their success. Since June 19, he has been hitting at an outstanding .306 with a .935 OPS, helping the Padres move from three games under .500 to 17 games above.

The Padres have a perfect 22-0 record this season when Machado contributes two or more RBIs.

– Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi needs to log just 16 more innings to activate a $20 million vesting option for 2025.

However, considering his current performance, he is anticipated to enter the free-agent market.

It’s been fantastic for the Rangers, who have achieved a 29-20 record during his starts over the last two regular seasons and a perfect 6-0 in the playoffs.

“He has played a crucial role in our team,” stated Rangers GM Chris Young in an interview with the Dallas Morning News. “We brought him in to be a leading pitcher and to foster a winning mindset within our pitching group, and he has done just that.”

Now, we will have to see if the Rangers can manage to retain him after expressing a desire to lower their payroll to stay under the luxury tax threshold for the second straight year.

– Shohei Ohtani has made history as the first player ever to hit 43 home runs and steal 43 bases in a single season, and he’s now also edging closer to setting a record for the most extra-base hits among players in the 40-40 club.

Ohtani has accumulated 79 extra-base hits, just 10 shy of Alfonso Soriano’s record.

– Who is currently the hottest pitcher in baseball?

Look no further than Bowden Francis, a starter for the Toronto Blue Jays, who has allowed only one run in over seven innings across three of his last four outings.

In his recent four starts: he boasts a 4-0 record, a 0.62 ERA, six hits allowed, three walks, two earned runs, 32 strikeouts, and an opposing batting average of just .065.

He has certainly secured a place in the Jays’ starting rotation for next year.

– The five smallest crowds at Busch Stadium III have been recorded in the past week, which may prompt the Cardinals’ ownership to explore the free-agent market this winter after another unsatisfactory season.

– The laughter surrounding the AL Central might finally subside – at least outside of Chicago.

After witnessing only one team with a winning record for the last three seasons, the division started the weekend with four teams above .500: Cleveland, Kansas City, Minnesota, and Detroit.

– The Milwaukee Brewers, who sent non-roster invitee Tobias Myers down to the minors during their second round of cuts in spring training, can hardly believe their luck: he is now among their primary starters and should be included in their postseason pitching rotation.

Amazing for someone who ended last year with a 1-15 record and a 7.82 ERA in Triple-A.

Since June 5, Myers has produced a 2.20 ERA, ranking as the third-lowest in the league.

Just another unknown hero for the Brewers, who entered Saturday with a Magic Number of 17 to clinch the NL Central.

– The New York Mets along with the San Francisco Giants withdrew their $300 million offers two years ago to sign All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa due to concerns about his physical condition.

As of now, Correa hasn’t played a single game since the All-Star break due to plantar fasciitis.

– Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is uncertain about where he will play next year. The Mets have shown little interest in offering him a $200 million contract to remain, but he was thrilled to make a piece of Mets history by tying Hall of Famer Mike Piazza with his 221^st career homer.

“Mike Piazza has always been one of my childhood idols,” Alonso expressed. “Darryl Strawberry, David Wright, and Mike Piazza hold great significance for the organization.”

– The Yankees are holding off on making a decision about manager Aaron Boone’s 2025 option until after the postseason.

– While Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black and the front office talked about a 2025 contract extension, nothing has been solidified yet. Both sides are expected to revisit the conversation later in the season.

Black has stated that he is not ready for retirement and would like to continue coaching.

– Curious about how the Astros have revitalized themselves and become a formidable team in the American League once again?

Look at their rotation, which led the majors with a 2.48 ERA in August. They have taken a no-hitter deep into the eighth inning three times this month.

– Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll, who had only hit two home runs as of July 4, has now blasted 10 homers over his last 22 games and 13 since the All-Star break—more than any outfielder in the NL.

“The start of the year was certainly a challenge, but valuable lessons were learned,” Carroll noted. “It’s been a combination of fixing some mechanical issues and adjusting my approach, and I believe that has boosted my confidence.”

– “YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME.” That was the response of Paul Skenes’ girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, reflecting the sentiments of all Pirates fans.

Despite leading 10-3 entering the seventh inning after Skenes exited, the Pirates somehow lost to the Cubs, 14-10.

According to researcher Jay Cuda, teams had a remarkable 1,192-0 record over the past seven years when leading by seven or more runs going into the seventh inning, and now they are down to 1,192-1.

It will be interesting to see what repercussions come this winter.

– Rich Hill, at age 44, has signed again with the Boston Red Sox this week, marking the sixth different head of baseball operations with whom he’s inked deals:

• Theo Epstein
• Ben Cherington
• Dave Dombrowski
• Chaim Bloom
• Craig Breslow

– As the Royals continue to be a surprise story following last season’s 106 losses, let’s not forget about their legendary groundskeeper, George Toma, who penned “The Sodfather” alongside Craig Handel.

– Remember when Yankees rookie first baseman Ben Rice hit three home runs on July 6 and quickly rose to fame in New York?

However, since that game, his batting average has plummeted to .116 with a .456 OPS over 30 games and 112 plate appearances.

No wonder the Yankees are eagerly awaiting the return of first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

– Currently, no one is getting more value for their investment in their outfield than the Padres, who are paying NL Rookie of the Year favorite Jackson Merrill a mere $740,000 while veteran Jurickson Profar—arguably the team’s MVP—earns just $1 million.

– Strange happenings:

The Minnesota Twins’ sole action at the trade deadline was acquiring right-handed reliever Trevor Richards, who was subsequently designated for assignment three weeks later.

The St. Louis Cardinals traded outfielder Dylan Carlson to the Rays for pitcher Shawn Armstrong, who they also placed on waivers, subsequently picked up by the Chicago Cubs. They traded for outfielder Tommy Pham from the White Sox only to designate him for assignment as well, with the Royals claiming him.

– The record for the most wins following a 100-loss season is 87, held by both the 1967 Cubs and the 1989 Orioles. It appears that the 2024 Royals will break that record.

– The D-backs, who have one of the strongest offenses in baseball, are averaging 5.4 runs per game—this is their highest average since 1999.

– The White Sox are expected to shut down ace Garret Crochet in early September to ensure he remains healthy ahead of a potential trade this winter.

– Javier Baez’s season has come to a close as the Tigers have announced he will undergo surgery on his back, ending another year in which he hit .184 with a .221 ERA

The on-base percentage and OPS are both below 56% of the average.

The Tigers must make a decision on whether to release him, which would mean absorbing the remaining $73 million on his contract.

– Astros Cy Young winner Justin Verlander is eager to join the exclusive club of pitchers who have achieved 300 wins, which only 24 have accomplished, the last being Randy Johnson in 2009.

Currently, he has 260 wins and will need to maintain an average of about 13 wins per season over the next three years.

– The Phillies hold an impressive record of 29-1 when their starting pitcher completes at least seven innings in a game.

This marked a streak of consecutive victories under those conditions, second only to the 1942 Cardinals, who achieved this in 42 games.

– Other teams were caught off-guard when the Pirates opted to shift 25-year-old shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field with a month still left in the season instead of waiting until winter.

– The Colorado Rockies have set a new major league record by allowing five or more runs after losing their lead in the ninth inning or later.

– If the Baltimore Orioles aim for a successful postseason, ace Corbin Burnes must overcome the worst slump he’s faced in four years.

In August, he recorded just a 1-3 record with a 7.36 ERA, playing through only 25.1 innings over five starts.

– A straightforward approach to counter the Padres could be to prevent them from scoring first, especially given their strong bullpen.

The Padres have an impressive 55-12 record when they score first, the best in the league; however, when they fail to do so, their record drops to 21-48.

– The Seattle Mariners demonstrate the significance of scoring a bit when supported by their formidable pitching rotation.

They are 44-4 when they score five or more runs and 56-11 when scoring at least four runs.

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