The Los Angeles Dodgers are one step closer to the World Series, with only the Milwaukee Brewers blocking their path in the National League Championship Series.
The Dodgers have shown a willingness to change their roster from round to round in the 2025 postseason, adapting to combat the strengths and exploit weaknesses of their opponent.
That could be the case for the NLDS, as there are expected changes to the Dodgers’ playoff roster. Tanner Scott definitely will not be available against the Brewers, as he is ineligible by virtue of being replaced during the NL Division Series.
However, he is eligible to be on the World Series roster if the Dodgers advance.
Because their opponent had yet to be determined entering Saturday, the Dodgers game-planned for each contingency and monitored the outcome of Game 5 between the Chicago Cubs and Brewers during their workout at Dodger Stadium.
“Definitely looking at which direction it goes, preparing for either scenario, opponent, travel, stay here,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I wouldn’t say difficult. It’s certainly nice to get a couple days to reset and prepare.
“We’re kind of doing our due diligence and having one-off team meetings until locking in after this game tonight.”
Dodgers NLCS news
Kiké Hernández injury update
Kiké Hernández appeared to tweak his left leg or knee during 11th inning of Game 4 on Thursday. He was checked on by a trainer but remained in the game and drew a walk to load the bases. That brought Andy Pages to the plate, and he proceeded to drive in the winning run by putting the ball in play.
“Kiké, from what I understand, is in a much better spot,” Roberts said. “Obviously the couple days has been beneficial, so I don’t think he’s going to be impacted going forward.”
Hernández is once again enjoying an excellent October, batting .318/.400/.409 with three walks and four RBI. He was instrumental in all three of the Dodgers’ victories during the NLDS.
Dodgers’ Game 1 starter
The Dodgers are still working through who will take the mound for them in Game 1 of the NLCS. Shohei Ohtani is under consideration, but the team is still having internal discussions. The answer should be determined by Sunday.
“We’re going to talk through it. There’s obviously a few different ways we can go, so we’re going to circle up and probably have it tomorrow,” Roberts said.
Clayton Kershaw willing to take on any role
Clayton Kershaw’s lone appearance of the 2025 postseason thus far came in Game 3 of the NLDS. He entered in the seventh inning with the Dodgers down two runs and was tasked with keeping the score where it was.
Partly because of Scott’s absence, Kershaw was left in the game to pitch a second inning, even as the Dodgers’ deficit grew.
It has not been determined if the left-hander will be on the NLCS roster, but he will operate in any role the Dodgers ask of him.
“Clayton, just like all of our guys, is willing to do whatever it takes to contribute and whatever role that might be,” Roberts said.
“We were down a man for a game last series, and going forward, I don’t know how this roster is going to look, but Clayton to everybody else, will do whatever it takes.”
Hyeseong Kim’s versatility
Hyeseong Kim has yet to record a plate appearance or log an inning on defense, but he did get his first taste of postseason baseball on Thursday when entering as a pinch-runner in the 11th inning of Game 4. Kim went first to third on Max Muncy’s single off Jesús Luzardo and eventually scored the run that sent the Dodgers to the NLCS.
He is a candidate to make the NLCS roster because of all the value he provides off the bench.
“A lot of value,” Roberts said of Kim. “Obviously the versatility from the shortstop to second base to potentially in the outfield, the left-handed bat, the speed, which we utilized.
“He’s a valuable player. I don’t know how it’s going to play out as far as the roster for this next series, but he’s certainly going to be in the conversation.”
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