With the World Sequence going to Southern California tied at one, the Los Angeles Dodgers can solely relaxation simple at their very own threat.
Their Recreation 2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays got here courtesy of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose masterful nine-inning gem spared them from utilizing a single reliever. This was critically vital given the extreme unreliability of their bullpen.
Whereas the Recreation 2 win was encouraging, the Dodgers might want to grip the truth that every one their starters might want to go deep in opposition to this harmful Blue Jays crew.
The Recreation 1 loss was an enormous wake-up name for the Dodgers and a disillusionment with their perceived invincibility. This dose of actuality has thrust just a few Dodgers’ laggards into the highlight. If the Dodgers are going to keep away from any detrimental injury by the hands of the damaging Blue Jays‘ squad, they could want two constructive developments: a bullpen resurgence and many extra manufacturing from these three slumping stars.
1B Freddie Freeman
It was an distinctive yr for the 2020 MVP and final yr’s World Sequence MVP. Freeman slashed .295/.367/.502 with 24 house runs, although his once-lofty stats have declined. Nevertheless, the postseason has been a distinct story.
Within the playoffs, Freeman is 10-for-45 (.222 AVG) with one house run and 7 walks. This doesn’t embrace the missed pop fly in Recreation 2 of the World Sequence. In reality, Freeman’s postseason isn’t that unhealthy contemplating his on-base share nonetheless sits at .340 and he has accrued 5 doubles. Nevertheless, since he’s such an vital a part of the Dodgers‘ batting order, his plate appearances are all of the extra crucial to the crew, particularly when the opposition can string hits collectively like few groups ever have within the playoffs, making a parade of baserunners.
RF Teoscar Hernandez
Hernandez, a identified postseason masher, has to this point lived as much as energy potential, clubbing 4 house runs within the 2025 playoffs. Nevertheless, apart from his respectable house run complete, his numbers simply aren’t nice. Hernandez is 11-for-48 (.229 AVG) with simply three walks (.275 OBP). And three of his 4 house runs got here within the first three video games of the postseason.
The extra regarding facets of his efficiency are coming from his current struggles. Prior to now 4 video games, Hernandez is simply 1-for-14 with a stroll and 9 strikeouts. He’s but to garner his first hit in opposition to his former crew within the World Sequence, and he struck out in all 4 plate appearances on Saturday. A essential supply of energy for Los Angeles, the Dodgers would achieve an enormous increase if he might hit his stride.
CF Andy Pages
Within the common season, Pages hit .272/.313/.461 with 27 house runs in his 2025 sophomore marketing campaign. Nevertheless, this isn’t the common season, and the distinction has been stark.
Along with his base hit on Saturday, Pages is now 4-for-43 with out a single stroll, bringing his postseason batting common as much as .093. Pages has been one of many worst performers of the 2025 postseason and is probably going hanging by a thread. Although he’s the No. 9 hitter, his spot within the lineup comes forward of Shohei Ohtani, making it vitally vital. In Recreation 1, Pages got here to bat with the bases loaded, full rely and two outs. He chased what would have been ball 4, placing out in a pivotal state of affairs.
Supervisor Dave Roberts‘ choices are restricted since Tommy Edman is coping with an ankle damage and is unable to play centerfield. Nonetheless, if this continues, Alex Name or Hyeseong Kim could possibly be choices to take his place.
