For the 14th straight year, the Dodgers are postseason-bound.
Winners of three of the past six World Series, the Dodgers are looking to continue their reign. The back-to-back defending champions are bidding for the Major Leagues' first three-peat since the Yankees won three straight titles from 1998-2000.
The Dodgers are just about at full strength now that the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages and Roki Sasaki have returned from the injured list, but there are several other compelling storylines to follow before the postseason.
Here's what to watch as the NL West-champion Dodgers forge their path back to the Fall Classic:
What could the postseason roster look like?
The makeup of the pitching staff may hinge on whether the Dodgers are able to secure a first-round bye and advance directly to the NL Division Series. Either way, the strength of the staff is the rotation, so expect them to carry more starters than they need and get creative with using some of them in relief.
It may be premature to pencil in Josue De Paula, as the organization’s top prospect has played in only 11 big league games. But the Dodgers liked what they saw, and he could be an impact lefty bat off the bench.
Catchers (2): Will Smith, Hunter Feduccia
First baseman (1): Freddie Freeman
Second baseman (1): Tommy Edman
Shortstop (1): Mookie Betts
Third baseman (1): Max Muncy
Outfielders (3): Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, Kyle Tucker
Utility/bench (3): Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, Josue De Paula
Two-way player (1): Shohei Ohtani
Starters (4): Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow
Relievers (9): Edwin Díaz, Tanner Scott, Edgardo Henriquez, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, Kris Bubic, Brock Stewart
When does the postseason begin?
The NL Wild Card Series begin Sept. 29. The NL Division Series begin Oct. 3.
What's left for the Dodgers to play for?
The Dodgers won their 13th NL West title in the past 14 seasons, so their focus has shifted to securing one of the top two records in the National League, which would allow them to bypass the Wild Card round.
What will the postseason rotation look like?
Yamamoto, Skubal, Snell and Glasnow make up this year's Big Four. The rotation order is yet to be determined. One consideration is that Yamamoto is accustomed to starting on at least five days' rest, whereas the other three are comfortable starting on four days' rest. Of course, rest did not matter for Yamamoto in last year's World Series, when he pitched on zero days' rest to close out Game 7 and clinch series MVP honors.
What's the latest on Ohtani's status?
Ohtani was activated from the 15-day IL on Wednesday and is expected to DH in the remainder of the Dodgers' regular-season games in order to make up for the at-bats he missed while he was sidelined. He did not face live pitching while on the IL, so he is tasked with getting back up to speed at the big league level.
Which injured players could return?
Freeman is not on the IL, but the Dodgers have worked in more rest than usual for the star first baseman as he deals with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Snell exited his last start after one inning due to left groin tightness, but he has come along well since then and is expected to make a final regular-season start on Saturday.
Dalton Rushing (right elbow discomfort) is expected to be activated to get a few final big league at-bats, but he would strictly be used as a hitter, not as a catcher. The Dodgers hope that Henriquez, who has emerged as an important leverage arm, can return for the postseason after his regular season came to a premature end due to lower back discomfort. Imaging on his back showed a low-grade strain.
Which roster spots may be up for grabs?
The final spot on the bench is far from set in stone. The Dodgers could carry De Paula, but Rushing, Alex Call and Hyeseong Kim are additional options. This decision could come down to whether they want to use that bench spot on a potential impact bat or someone who brings enhanced speed and/or defense to the table. If L.A. carries fewer than 13 pitchers, that would open an additional bench spot.
The bullpen should also have some openings. If Henriquez does not recover in time for the postseason, that opens an additional spot. Justin Wrobleski, Sasaki and Sheehan have been starters for most of the season, but they will be relief options in the postseason. But Wrobleski has been inconsistent in the second half, and the Dodgers have other left-handers who may be more reliable in leverage, such as Bubic.
Who will close out games?
Díaz was supposed to resolve the Dodgers' ninth-inning troubles, but he has only added to them in his first year in L.A. In his first few outings in low leverage since returning from the IL, he has looked much better, which could have him back in the mix to close out games if he continues to trend in the right direction. The Dodgers may be more likely to play the matchups instead of going with a set closer in the postseason. Based on regular-season performance, Scott and Henriquez are two of the top options to pitch in save situations. Perhaps Sasaki could reprise his postseason closer role if needed.