Dodgers in a tight division race as 31 games remain, with lineup questions and a batting-title chase heating up
The Dodgers find themselves right back in the thick of the NL West race with 31 games left, currently tied with the Padres on the ledger and holding the tiebreaker edge. It’s a classic late-season showdown in a division that’s still very much up for grabs, and every decision counts as Los Angeles tries to stretch its advantage.
Lineup notes and player usage questions
– Buddy Kennedy’s playing time has come under scrutiny. The shift toward Alex Freeland or veteran Miguel Rojas over Kennedy isn’t just sentiment—it’s performance data. Kennedy’s numbers this season—rough translates to a .069/.156/.103 line and a -26 OPS+—don’t justify frequent turns in the lineup unless the sample size presents a brighter future. Freeland, by contrast, has produced a .226/.342/.387 line with a 104 OPS+. Rojas sits at .252/.313/.388 with a 95 OPS+. Career numbers show Kennedy has not matched the upside of Freeland or Rojas.
– Michael Conforto’s extended runway is a talking point. With roughly 400 plate appearances on the season, Conforto ranks near the bottom of the league in several categories. He sits at a .183 batting average, a .293 on-base percentage, and a .314 slugging percentage, giving him an OPS around 0.507 and a WAR near -0.9. Those marks place him at or near the bottom of the pack among his peers with similar workloads. The case for giving Alex Call more everyday at-bats grows louder when a player is struggling as consistently as Conforto has this season.
– Freeland is a reminder of why he was ranked among the club’s top prospects. Freeland’s performance to this point provides a counterpoint to Conforto’s struggles and supports the argument for expanding the offense with a more productive lineup around Call and the rest of the core.
A look at the rest of the season’s complexion
– The Dodgers and Padres are in a tight rhythm with a lot to sort out. Here are a few contrasts that matter as they chase the crown:
– Longest winning streak: Dodgers (8) vs Padres (7)
– Run differential: Dodgers +94 vs Padres +57
– Home record: Dodgers 41-24 vs Padres 43-22
– Interleague and NL West records suggest both teams are capable of retaliation and resilience in different moments
– Overall, the Dodgers have shown the ability to rally and win comeback games (Dodgers 40, Padres 33 in come-from-behind wins) and to close out tight games (walk-off wins: Dodgers 8 vs Padres 6)
– After the All-Star break, Dodgers’ numbers show a mix of solid and fragile marks. The drama of a division race that could come down to the wire makes every decision, from bullpen usage to everyday lineup choices, particularly consequential.
A hopeful, competitive tone for a pennant chase
Despite some rough stretches and offensive ebbs, the upcoming 31 games promise drama and significance. The division title race is meaningful, and the potential for a late-season surge remains real. Fans can expect to see competitive baseball, tight games, and renewed urgency as Los Angeles aims to separate in the final stretch.
The batting-title subplot
The NL batting race is shaping up to be compelling. Freddie Freeman leads at .302, just ahead of Trea Turner at .300, with other contenders like Sal Frelick, Will Smith, Manny Machado, Xavier Edwards, and Nico Hoerner within reach. Smith’s power and timing have been tested by the rigors of catching, as his August numbers dip to a .158 pace, illustrating the toll the position can exact. The historical precedent shows that catchers winning the batting title are rare, underscoring the challenge Smith faces. There’s intrigue in watching whether Freeman can hold on or Turner can surge in the final weeks.
Upcoming schedule and what to watch
– Monday: Cincinnati at Dodgers (Hunter Greene vs Emmet Sheehan), 7:10 p.m.
– Tuesday: Cincinnati at Dodgers (Nick Martinez vs Clayton Kershaw), 7:10 p.m.
– Wednesday: Cincinnati at Dodgers (Zack Littell vs Shohei Ohtani), 5:40 p.m.
Note: Left-handed starter notation applies to Tuesday’s game.
In case you missed it
– Shaikin: The Padres aren’t dead, and the Dodgers have plenty to lose in baseball’s greatest rivalry
– News Analysis: The Dodgers have an outfield problem. Do they have viable fixes?
– Dalton Rushing emphasizes catching as main focus, with first-base considerations in mind
– Plus a nod to historical moments, including Lou Johnson’s pivotal World Series homer in 1965
Closing thoughts and a few practical takeaways
– The lineup decisions this week matter because the margin for error narrows as the season advances. If Freeland continues to hit and Call contributes in a consistent way, the Dodgers can reduce the strain on the lineup even as Conforto remains a question mark.
– The overall narrative remains optimistic: a division race that could be decided on the final day is a rare and exciting scenario for fans and players alike.
– Readers’ takeaway: stay engaged game by game. The next 31 contests will reveal how much the Dodgers want this title and how adaptable their roster can be under pressure.
Summary
The Dodgers are in a high-stakes stretch drive, balancing lineup questions with a fight to hold off the Padres. While Conforto’s struggles invite strategic shifts, Freeland’s progress and Call’s potential daily impact offer paths to stabilize the offense. With a thrilling division race ahead and a bat-first chase for the NL title unfolding, the coming weeks should deliver drama, competitive baseball, and a hopeful outlook for Dodgers fans. A tight, wire-to-wire race is the kind of season that defines legacy, and this team has the pieces to make it compelling.
Additional comments for the article
– Consider adding a quick reader poll or social media prompt asking fans which lineup option they’d prefer in the short term (Call in daily vs continuing to mix and match around Conforto).
– Include a short explainer box on how the tiebreaker works for NL West divisions in the event of a tie, for readers new to baseball’s division formats.
Summary for editors
– Core points: Dodgers hold tiebreaker with Padres; Kennedy’s limited value given stats; Conforto’s struggles prompt calls for Call to see more playing time; Freeland’s potential to contribute; the division race is tight with 31 games left; NL batting title race adds another layer of intrigue; upcoming schedule features Cincinnati series; fan engagement prompts and context provided.
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