The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently navigating a competitive landscape in the National League, and their journey to the World Series could become significantly more difficult if they end up as the No. 3 seed. Manager Dave Roberts is aware that without securing a bye in the Wild Card round, the Dodgers will need to contend with formidable opponents right from the start of the postseason.
As it stands, the Milwaukee Brewers are leading the charge for the top seed in the National League, having won the season series against the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves currently hold the second seed and would enjoy a bye if the playoffs commenced today, further complicating the Dodgers' playoff aspirations.
Although the Dodgers demonstrated their capability to win the World Series last year without a bye, they had the advantage of facing a weaker Cincinnati Reds team in the Wild Card round. This year, the landscape appears different, with no clear weak opponent in sight. If the Braves maintain their position and do not falter against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Dodgers' postseason path as a No. 3 seed could likely unfold as follows: they would first face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Wild Card round, then potentially take on the Braves in the Division Series, and if they advance, they would likely meet either the Brewers, Chicago Cubs, or Philadelphia Phillies in the Championship Series.
The Diamondbacks are currently positioned as the favorites for the final Wild Card spot, narrowly ahead of the San Diego Padres. This matchup may actually favor the Dodgers, as they have historically struggled against the Padres, who always present a tough challenge. However, the Diamondbacks should not be underestimated. Their pitching staff includes Eduardo Rodríguez, an All-Star who has performed well against the Dodgers, allowing only five runs in five starts. Additionally, Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes could return to bolster their lineup.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks have shown their prowess, ranking sixth in the league for runs scored since the All-Star break. This offensive capability makes them a formidable opponent in a short series. Should the Dodgers manage to overcome the Diamondbacks, they would then face the Braves, a team that recently swept them, highlighting the potential challenges ahead.
Looking further down the line, if the Dodgers reach the National League Championship Series, they are likely to encounter the Brewers. Last year, the Dodgers swept the Brewers in the postseason, but this year’s Brewers squad is significantly stronger. They boast a projected Cy Young Award winner and young pitching talents like Kyle Harrison and Logan Henderson, making their pitching staff one of the best in the league. Their offense has also been productive, further complicating the Dodgers' path.
Ultimately, the most pressing concern for the Dodgers may not be the identity of their opponents, but rather their own performance. In August, the Dodgers' offense ranked among the lowest in the league, scoring the sixth-fewest runs. If this trend continues, they may find themselves unable to advance far enough to challenge the Brewers or any other top contenders in the playoffs.
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