The Dodgers enter a pivotal stretch with 31 games left in the 2025 season and their offensive tempo still far from where it needs to be. After salvaging a game in San Diego to keep the division race tight, Los Angeles is tasked with turning the corner and sustaining it for a sustained run.
Standings and schedule notes
– The Dodgers are in a tight race, with both the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies ahead in the playoff picture. A first-round bye isn’t guaranteed this year.
– Los Angeles still has a three-game series left against the Phillies in Dodgers Stadium on September 15-17. Their season series with the Brewers is already finished. The Brewers hold a sizable lead for the NL’s best record, while the Dodgers are within reach of the Phillies in the win column.
– August ends with a three-game home set against the Reds, followed by a weekend series with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The six-game span is a homestand with an off day on Thursday in between.
Reds series preview
– The Reds, sitting 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot behind the Mets, are the latest challenge. Cincinnati will start Hunter Greene, a Los Angeles native who has returned from the injured list and looked sharp in two recent starts.
– Greene has worked in the 85- and 98-pitch ranges in his two starts back, going six-plus innings in each, with 18 strikeouts over 12.1 innings. He has shown good velocity and feel for his fastball and slider and has not walked a batter since coming off the IL.
– The Dodgers counter with Emmet Sheehan, who worked in relief against the Reds in the last series and allowed a decisive three runs in the eighth inning that turned a tight game in Cincinnati.
Dodgers’ recent form and matchup notes
– Since they last faced the Reds, L.A. has struggled a bit at the plate against right-handed pitching. The team ranks 10th in strikeout rate versus righties at 23.8%, and six Dodgers hitters have strikeout rates over 20% against right-handers. That creates a potentially difficult matchup for a lineup that’s looking to spark more offense.
– The Dodgers will need to translate aggressive baserunning and timely hitting into multi-run innings, especially against a Reds starter like Greene who can squeeze at-bats and induce weak contact when needed.
Injury and lineup updates
– There is good news on the health front: Enrique Hernandez and Max Muncy are expected back this week, which should add some energy and depth to the lineup. Their presence could help balance the batting order and provide some much-needed protection for the middle of the order.
– For now, the offense will lean on the returns of Hernandez and Muncy, along with a still-battling but resilient pitching staff that has shown flashes of quality when it matters most.
What to watch
– Can the Dodgers convert their home stand into momentum? A strong performance against the Reds, followed by continued success against the Diamondbacks, could shift the narrative as September approaches.
– Will the lineup benefit from Hernandez and Muncy back in action, reducing strikeouts and increasing run production? Their contributions could help ease pressure on the rest of the order.
– How will Emmet Sheehan handle a Reds lineup that’s been feisty on both sides of the ball? A solid start could set a positive tone for the week.
– Can the bullpen hold late leads in tight games against a Reds squad that has been looking for consistency?
Monday game details
Teams: Dodgers vs. Reds
Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
Start time: 7:10 p.m.
TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
Bottom line
The Dodgers are at a crossroads moment in 2025. With a schedule that leans toward home comfort in the near term, regaining offensive rhythm and getting contributions from a healthier roster could unlock a more promising stretch run. If Los Angeles can translate their restock of depth into consistent production and take care of business against the Reds and Diamondbacks, they’ll put themselves in a better position as September unfolds. A positive, disciplined approach at the plate and timely pitching could turn this into a meaningful and hopeful run for the club.