The Los Angeles Dodgers are barreling toward another October run, but the road to the 2025 MLB postseason has been anything but smooth. With the playoff ticket already punched, the Dodgers are still locked in a fierce battle with the San Diego Padres for the National League West Division crown. The final standings remain up in the air, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the regular season winds down.
Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco Giants encapsulated the drama that has defined the Dodgers’ campaign. Los Angeles was poised for a four-game sweep at Dodger Stadium, riding high on a four-game winning streak and buoyed by a record-setting crowd. Over 46,000 fans packed the stands, pushing the Dodgers’ season attendance past the 4 million mark for the first time in franchise history—an astonishing feat that speaks volumes about the team’s enduring popularity.
But baseball, as always, had other plans. The Dodgers nursed a slim 1-0 lead into the eighth inning, thanks in large part to a dazzling performance from Emmet Sheehan. The young right-hander was electric, tossing seven innings of one-hit, shutout ball, striking out 10 Giants, and walking none. He retired the final 15 batters he faced, matching zeros with Giants rookie Trevor McDonald, who was making his first career start. Michael Conforto’s line-drive single in the seventh had finally broken the deadlock, driving in Max Muncy after a leadoff walk. For a moment, it looked like another routine late-season win for the defending World Series champions.
Yet, the bullpen—so often a source of anxiety for manager Dave Roberts—couldn’t hold the line. Blake Treinen, once a postseason hero, has struggled mightily in recent weeks. On this day, he faced only seven batters but surrendered three runs on three hits and two walks, blowing the save and taking his fifth loss in his last seven appearances. His ERA ballooned to 5.55, and as he left the mound to a chorus of boos, the frustration in the stands was palpable. The Giants capitalized, mounting a three-run rally that included a pinch-hit RBI double from Patrick Bailey and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Willy Adames. Matt Chapman added an RBI groundout, sealing a 3-1 Giants victory and snapping the Dodgers’ winning streak.
“We’re just not getting it done out of the ‘pen right now,” Roberts admitted postgame, echoing the concerns of fans and analysts alike. The bullpen’s struggles have been a recurring theme, threatening to undermine the team’s postseason ambitions. Relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates have also had their share of rocky outings, making the coming days crucial for the Dodgers’ staff to regroup.
Despite the setback, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch their 12th NL West title in 13 seasons remains at three, thanks to the Padres’ concurrent victory over the White Sox. The division race is still alive, and with it, the possibility of a more favorable postseason path. The stakes could hardly be higher as the Dodgers prepare for their final road trip of the regular season.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers’ rotation is coming into sharper focus—and it’s full of surprises. Manager Dave Roberts appears to have settled on Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow as his three starters for the first round of the playoffs. Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, brings postseason experience and a devastating arsenal. Yamamoto, the Japanese sensation, has dazzled since arriving in MLB, while Glasnow’s power pitching gives the Dodgers a formidable trio.
This decision, however, means some big names are shifting roles. Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar, will move to the bullpen for the playoffs, alongside veteran ace Clayton Kershaw and breakout arm Emmet Sheehan. The bullpen will also get a boost from Roki Sasaki, the Japanese phenom expected to be activated after a lengthy injury layoff. The move is strategic, aiming to patch up the bullpen’s recent woes with a mix of experience, versatility, and raw talent.
“We’re betting on a mix of youth and experience,” Roberts explained. “Having Ohtani and Kershaw available in relief gives us flexibility and firepower in high-leverage spots. It’s about putting our best arms in the best positions to win.”
The Dodgers’ approach is bold—some might say risky—but with the team’s postseason hopes hanging in the balance, it’s a gamble worth making. The experience of Kershaw and the versatility of Ohtani could prove decisive in clutch moments, while Sheehan and Sasaki offer fresh arms capable of shutting down opponents late in games.
For Ohtani, the move to the bullpen doesn’t diminish his impact. He’s scheduled to make his final regular season mound start on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, sporting a 1-1 record and a 3.29 ERA. Ohtani’s ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate remains one of baseball’s great marvels, and his presence in the bullpen could give the Dodgers a unique edge in October.
Meanwhile, Michael Conforto’s resurgence has been a quiet but significant storyline. After a sluggish season, Conforto has reached base safely in five of his last seven games since September 12, including a pair of three-hit performances. He’s hitting .268/.326/.402 over his last 28 games, a marked improvement that began after a heart-to-heart with Roberts in August. “I think we’re in a good place for sure,” Conforto said. “Being able to go left-center is a really good sign. Being able to stay on a changeup out over the plate and hit a line drive to left, that’s definitely a good sign.”
Roberts has praised Conforto’s renewed confidence and improved swing, noting his increased competitiveness at the plate. “I think his swing looks a lot better,” Roberts said. “There’s a lot more confidence. I think he’s using his hands more. I think hitting the ball on a line more. I think every at-bat has been a lot more competitive. We’re going to need him.”
Conforto’s turnaround is a testament to Roberts’ steady leadership, which has been a hallmark of his tenure since taking over in 2016. The manager’s ability to balance tough love with unwavering support has kept the clubhouse focused, even amid adversity. Roberts’ strategic acumen—especially in managing the bullpen and rotation—will be put to the test as the postseason looms.
As the Dodgers head into the final week of the regular season, the spotlight remains squarely on their quest for another division title and a deep playoff run. With a retooled rotation, a bolstered bullpen, and key players rounding into form, Los Angeles is poised for another dramatic October. The only question left—can they put it all together when it matters most?
