The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West at the earliest point in the franchise’s history since moving from Brooklyn, and with that triggered a ripple effect. As it were, the inevitability of claiming a seventh consecutive division title was already being balanced with other points of focus.
While the Dodgers have remained in the hunt for the best record in baseball, the chase has been juggled with getting back to full health. Rich Hill, Joe Kelly, Max Muncy, Justin Turner and Alex Verdugo are among those to have fallen victim to injury over recent weeks.
Beyond that, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts additionally has continued to essentially hold auditions and attempt to prepare players for the postseason by putting them in specific situations.