Big Los Angeles Dodgers Questions Left Unanswered 2 Weeks from the Postseason

Through the September 16 games, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a three-game lead and their magic number is nine. While the postseason is not a guarantee at this point, it is certainly a probability. However, the team is not as solid as one would hope at this point.

They are 1.5 games behind the Washington Nationals for the best record in the National League, so it’s hard to complain that they’ve been disappointing. However, the current roster situation certainly leaves a bit to be desired.

1. Hyun-Jin Ryu

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The Dodgers were supposed to be set at the top of the rotation. The bullpen is questionable (15th in ERA), but Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, and Hyun-jin Ryu were going to help make that not matter come October.

However, Ryu suffered a shoulder injury last week, and his current status is uncertain. If he is back on the mound in a week or so, then all of this concern may be a moot point. As of right now, though, Ryu’s shoulder is the Dodgers’ biggest concern.

2. The Bullpen

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As was mentioned above, the Dodgers’ bullpen is 15th in ERA. They’re also 17th in strikeout rate and 28th in walk rate. To make a long story short, they’ve struggled.

However, they should expect to get better during the playoffs. With more off days and the top of the rotation pitching deeper into games, manager Don Mattingly would be able to lean more on his elite guys. Who that might be remains to be seen—but he will certainly have options.

Kenley Jansen and J.P. Howell are certainly at the top of the list, and—given his performance this season—Brandon League also seems to be a lock for the postseason roster. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. September call-ups Pedro Baez, Carlos Frias and Yimi Garcia have all been impressive in small samples, but it’s no guarantee that Mattingly would select youth over experience.

3. Puig and Ramirez

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Hanley Ramirez didn’t play Tuesday due to an elbow injury, and while it is likely not going to keep him out for an extended period of time, it certainly is not a positive. And given that the Dodger shortstop has missed games over each of the past few years, any injury scare is a concern.

The other key factor is Yasiel Puig, who snapped a home run drought on Tuesday but has otherwise been suffering through a lengthy slump. He has gotten on base quite a bit over the past two weeks (.373 OBP in September), and the Dodgers offense will be quite formidable if he can keep that up.