The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded the 2022 regular season against the Colorado Rockies and now turn their sights to the MLB postseason, where they are waiting to find out their National League Division Series opponent.
Unlike the 2021 season when the Dodgers were in a battle for the NL West title until the final game of the season, this year was a much smoother path as they clinched the division in the middle of September, which left them little to play for.
Although Dodgers manager Dave Roberts could have elected to give some starters extra rest to avoid potential injuries, he chose not to, even though last season presented a good case to do so when Clayton Kershaw and Max Muncy suffered injuries in the final days that led to both missing the playoffs.
Fortunately, the Dodgers were able to avoid any injuries in their final games, so they should be close to full health when they begin postseason play on Oct. 11 at Dodger Stadium.
“I know it wasn’t a year ago today, but after Game 162 last year, hearing about the X-rays with Max (Muncy) having a fracture, and knowing we were potentially going to lose him for the postseason — which we did — I feel a lot better,” Roberts said about escaping the regular season without unexpected injuries. “Much better feeling in my stomach.
“It’s one of those things where you want to bubblewrap guys but you’ve still got to play the baseball game. So to get out of it healthy, winning the game and guys feeling good, very grateful.”
After losing three straight games, the Dodgers ended their season with a win, which was their 111th of the season. Although they have to wait nearly a week for their next game which will likely halt any positive or negative momentum, Roberts said it was still important to end the season on a good note.
“You never like losing and 111 is a lot better than 110,” he said. “For Clayton to come out and pitch well, we got Justin back in there, got some guys back to health, and to win a ballgame, I think is a better taste going into the workouts and postseason.”
The Dodgers finished their season with a record of 111-51, which put them 60 games over .500 and made them one of five teams in history to win more than 110 games in a season. They also finished second all-time in wins by an NL club, trailing only the 1906 Chicago Cubs team that won an MLB-record 116 games.
“I think the magnitude as far as history, that’s context,” Roberts said. “This team is in elite company for the regular season. To go through and do what we’ve done, speaks to a lot of people. We appreciate it.
“I think having a day off to kind of relish the regular season is a good thing and healthy thing. But we still know that the most important part of the season is yet to come.”
Dodgers injury updates
While the Dodgers avoided any more injuries in their final games, they still have multiple players who are out with injuries.
Chris Taylor missed the final five games due to neck tightness and received a cortisone shot to treat the pain. Although he was questionable for the start of the postseason, both he and Roberts expressed confidence he will be ready, and he resumed baseball activities on Wednesday.
Dustin May and Blake Treinen each participated in a simulated game at Dodger Stadium. After the rehab work, May said he is ready to go for the NLDS.
Treinen came out of the sim game feeling good, according to Roberts, and the next step is for him to face hitters again on Saturday, however, his availability for the NLDS remains in question.
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