The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into the final weeks of the regular season with their playoff spot likely secure, but just a game separates them from the San Diego Padres in the race for the Western Division crown.
Outstanding starts have helped the Dodgers keep pace at the top of the National League West, yet the unpredictability of the bullpen now shapes much of the conversation around the club. Current odds released by FanDuel Sportsbook highlight the team as one of the favorites for the 2025 World Series, a testament to the depth and star power at the Dodgers’ disposal.
Pitching remains central to how far the Dodgers can go in October, and recent MLB statistical breakdowns and predictions focus intently on the team’s ability to overcome injuries and persistent bullpen concerns. September is a proving ground for young arms and a period of adjustment for veterans returning from injury and those working through rough stretches. These dynamics could define the team’s October trajectory.
Veteran Starters Establish the Tone
Tyler Glasnow has been a strikeout machine, highlighted as recently as September 7 when he fanned 11 Rockies hitters over seven no-hit innings. This year, Glasnow sits at 185 strikeouts and a 3.45 ERA, cementing his role as a reliable high-leverage option. His innings have been crucial for a Dodgers squad that sometimes needed starters to pitch deep into games due to bullpen issues. His mix of power and poise remains critical for establishing early leads and holding tight contests.
Blake Snell, who bounced back from some early-season setbacks, has posted a 10-7 record with a 3.68 ERA through September 8 and a strikeout rate above 10 per nine innings. Snell’s improved command allows him to navigate formidable lineups and pitch into the middle innings, relieving pressure on a bullpen that has faltered in late games.
Clayton Kershaw’s return has provided additional rotation depth and experience. In 19 starts, Kershaw has produced an ERA of 3.10, holding opposing hitters to a .223 batting average. These outings have showcased his continued dominance when healthy, and his leadership has remained a stabilizing force in the Dodgers’ clubhouse. Kershaw’s ability to adjust and produce despite age and past injuries has been one of the pleasant surprises of 2025.
Yamamoto Rounding into Shape
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has emerged as the ace in his second MLB season, continuing to build on a strong rookie campaign that set high expectations. As of September 8, Yamamoto boasts an 11-8 record with a 2.72 ERA and 177 strikeouts over 27 starts, displaying the command and durability required of a frontline starter. He recently fell one out short of a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles, before surrendering a home run, in a game which saw the Dodgers’ relievers unable to record a single out, blowing a two-run lead in the loss. His consistency in pressure situations during the second half of the season allows manager Dave Roberts to focus more on the instability elsewhere in the staff.
Ohtani’s Impact Grows
Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound in September has captivated fans and analysts alike. Having focused on hitting while recovering from surgery throughout 2024 and most of 2025, Ohtani’s reintroduction to the starting rotation brings a rare dynamic to the Dodgers’ approach. His first two pitching appearances have yielded a combined 10 strikeouts and just one earned run over nine innings, marking a successful comeback and adding renewed flexibility to how Roberts manages the staff and lineup.
The buzz surrounding Ohtani’s dual-threat role for the Dodgers has increased throughout September as he’s worked deeper into games, offering stability and explosive offensive production. His pitching opens new strategic possibilities for postseason roster construction, especially as other arms manage injury recovery.
Sheehan’s Steady Development
Emmet Sheehan has become another bright spot for the Dodgers, especially as injuries have limited other options. After an extended recovery from elbow surgery, Sheehan moved into the rotation and has posted a 5-3 record with a 3.59 ERA over 15 starts. His recent outings include six consecutive starts, allowing fewer than three runs, and demonstrating an ability to handle pressure situations. Sheehan’s progress has ensured the Dodgers maintain depth, despite losing other young arms to injury and demotion.
Bullpen Struggles and Uncertainty
The Dodgers’ largest challenge has been their bullpen’s performance, particularly after Evan Phillips was lost to injury on May 30. His absence has forced the remaining relief corps into expanded roles, exposing weaknesses in late-inning execution and consistency. The Dodgers bullpen has posted a 4.19 ERA and 1.340 WHIP for the season, ranking 19th in the majors and well below the standards expected by most contenders.
Tanner Scott, slotted into the closer role, has a team-high 21 saves but has also struggled with command, converting just 63% of opportunities and allowing 23 blown saves across the full bullpen. Kirby Yates and Scott have battled rough outings, failing to establish reliability in high-leverage spots. Ben Casparius has seen increased use in the seventh inning but is still developing consistency as his workload climbs.
Blake Treinen has experienced a difficult season out of the Dodgers’ bullpen, as his struggles have added another layer of uncertainty to Los Angeles’ late-inning plans. Through September 8, Treinen has made 24 appearances, posting a 1-3 record, a 4.05 ERA, and a 1.65 WHIP. Once known for his ability to handle high-leverage situations with poise, Treinen has seen a noticeable decline in effectiveness, frequently allowing hard contact and battling ongoing command issues.
Alex Vesia, a crucial reliever for the Dodgers, is scheduled to return from injury on September 9. His season totals before the injury include 22 holds, a 2.95 ERA, and 60 strikeouts in 53 innings. The return of Vesia presents an opportunity for the Dodgers to solidify their late-inning options, especially given left-handed matchups.
Without Phillips and amid setbacks for other relievers, the Dodgers have frequently extended starting pitchers deeper into games, risking fatigue as October approaches. Roberts has experimented with call-ups to fill gaps, but inexperience and command issues have persisted. The club recognizes that late-game success will hinge on improved bullpen performance and the rapid reacclimation of Vesia and other injured relievers.
September’s Roster Drama
The Dodgers’ depth is more critical than ever as the team navigates a September full of injury rehabs and hopeful returns. The focus centers on maximizing contributions from the front of the rotation while seeking stability from new and rehabbing relievers. Kershaw, Yamamoto, Glasnow, Snell, Sheehan, and Ohtani provide the ingredients of a playoff-ready rotation, but without reliable bullpen support, those efforts may be undermined.
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Dodgers among the favorites in World Series odds, indicating confidence in the team’s fundamental roster strengths. However, projections, MLB statistical breakdowns, and predictions point to the pitching staff—particularly the bullpen—as the critical determining factor.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers play out the last weeks of the regular season, their formula for success rests on established starters and the bullpen’s ability to limit damage in late innings. Minor league call-ups and veteran relievers will need to find rhythm quickly, or Los Angeles will be exposed in close games. Vesia’s upcoming return is a hopeful sign.
The Dodgers remain well-positioned for another deep October run, but the persistent bullpen struggles have added a layer of vulnerability. The rotation looks set, Ohtani’s pitching return adds a unique weapon, and the offensive stars keep generating leads. As postseason baseball nears, the Dodgers must solve their late-inning puzzle to fulfill their championship ambitions. The coming weeks will determine just how formidable this roster truly is.
