Dodgers Face Elimination as Injuries and Strategy Pose Challenges in NLDS

The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a precarious position as they face the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on Wednesday night. Key injuries and strategic decisions loom over the team, raising questions about their ability to stay in the postseason race.

The Dodgers’ starting shortstop exited Game 3 after aggravating his left-adductor strain multiple times. This defensive specialist, who is enjoying one of his best offensive seasons in an 11-year career, now appears doubtful for the upcoming game.

Additionally, the team’s eight-time All-Star and 2020 National League MVP was substituted with a pinch-runner in the eighth inning due to a severely sprained right ankle. His ability to play in Game 4 remains uncertain, as the injury hindered his performance significantly.

Compounding the Dodgers’ challenges is the thin rotation through just three playoff games. The team is set to implement a bullpen game against the Padres, as announced by Dodgers’ Manager Dave Roberts. “We can’t look at the mountain — we just have to look at the task at hand, and that’s one pitch at a time,” Roberts said after their recent loss at Petco Park in San Diego.

The Padres clinched a narrow 6-5 victory in Game 3, capitalizing on a strong second inning. Chris Rojas, despite his injury, contributed with a single during a Dodgers’ four-run rally. However, he later left the game, replaced by Andy Pages.

Roberts described the situation as “all hands on deck,” pointing to the availability of their highest-leverage relievers — Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, Anthony Banda, and Ryan Brasier. However, recent game usage might limit Banda and Kopech’s involvement.

Padres Manager Mike Schildt revealed that Dylan Cease would start for the Padres in Game 4, pitching on three days’ rest. Cease previously allowed five runs in 3 1/3 innings in his last appearance.

As the Dodgers navigate potential lineup changes, Roberts might consider placing Tommy Edman at shortstop and Pages in center field if Rojas is unable to play. Likewise, adjustments might see Max Muncy shifting to first base and Kiké Hernández to third should the injured All-Star remain sidelined.

The Dodgers’ offensive performance has been a subject of concern, especially following Teoscar Hernández‘s grand slam in the third inning of Game 3. Despite Mookie Betts breaking his playoff hitting slump, the team struggled against the Padres’ pitching, going one for 21 in the latter part of the game.

As the Dodgers face elimination, Roberts remains optimistic, stating, “We’ve just got to keep playing. I don’t think there’s a magic potion or something. We’re all trying to do the same thing — win a World Series — and each game is one stepping stone toward that.”