Are the Dodgers poised for a postseason push?

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently lead their division by 4 1/2 games ahead of the San Diego Padres with the Arizona Diamondbacks 5 games back in the loss column. They are also one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies (87-59) for the best record in Major League Baseball at 86-58, with 16 games remaining in the regular season. While other teams might be celebrating a successful season, the Dodgers view every year as a "World Series or bust" situation. This high expectation has many analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of this year's team and questioning how far they can go in the postseason.

The Major League Baseball playoffs are often decided by which team is hot and the strength of its pitching staff. While bats can go cold at any time, having strong starting pitching and a reliable bullpen is crucial for determining which team will ultimately hold the World Series championship trophy.

When healthy, the Dodgers' rotation includes Clayton Kershaw (left big toe inflammation), Tyler Glasnow (elbow tendinitis), Gavin Stone (IR), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (rotator-cuff strain), Walker Buehler (returning from a second Tommy John surgery), and newly acquired Jack Flaherty. Currently, Flaherty, recently acquired from the Detroit Tigers, is the only healthy pitcher the team can confidently rely on for a postseason start. When asked if the rotation would be sufficient for a deep October run, Manager Dave Roberts responded, "We're going to have enough pitching. The names might be a little bit different. I don't think anyone knows who will and who won't be a part of it."

As it stands right now, a prolific offense will likely be needed to offset some shortcomings in the pitching rotation. While there is still time to get the pitchers healthy, the Dodgers' bats have been exceptional. With Shohei Ohtani (designated hitter, .292 average, 46 home runs), Mookie Betts (right fielder, .307 average, 17 home runs), Freddie Freeman (first baseman, .287 average, 21 home runs), and Teoscar Hernández (left fielder, .266 average, 28 home runs) leading the way, the Dodgers have averaged an impressive 4.99 runs per game this season.

Freeman expressed the team's focal point after a recent home game, "We're going to do everything we can to put ourselves in the best position going forward. All of our focus right now is on finishing the regular season strong and being in the best position to win, hopefully, 11 games in October."

The Dodgers will begin a seven game road trip starting in Atlanta against the Braves on Friday, September 13th.