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, the No. 2 seed in the National League, 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 strength of the Dodgers' pitching staff is the rotation, so expect them to carry more starters than they need and get creative with using some of them in relief. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the team may carry only 12 pitchers to make room for an additional position player on the bench in the NL Division Series.
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, Hyeseong Kim
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, Kris Bubic, Brock Stewart
When does the postseason begin?
The NL Division Series begin on Saturday.
Who could be the Dodgers' NLDS opponent?
The Dodgers won their 13th NL West title in the past 14 seasons and secured a first-round bye, so they will play the winner of the Wild Card Series between the Braves and the Phillies.
Against which teams do the Dodgers have home-field advantage?
The Dodgers have home-field advantage over every team in the postseason field except the Brewers, who finished the regular season with the best record in the Majors.
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. That makes Yamamoto likely to start Game 1 of the NLDS because he would be available for a potential Game 5 on his normal rest.
What's the latest on Ohtani's status?
Ohtani was activated from the 15-day IL and hit in the Dodgers' final five games, going 5-for-21 (.238) with eight strikeouts and one walk. Roberts described the performance as Ohtani showing some rust and said the team does not have any health concerns with him.
Which injured players could return?
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. He will face hitters during the bye week, and as long as he comes away feeling good, he will be activated for the NLDS.
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 Dalton 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 Emmet Sheehan were starters for most of the season, but they will be relief options in the postseason. But Wrobleski was 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. Since returning from the IL, he has looked much better, which could have him back in the mix to close out games. 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.