For months, the Dodgers were thought to rule October as a juggernaut of MLB. However, mid-September has brought a different picture for the team. After a sluggish stretch that contained a 1-5 stumble through the Pirates and the Orioles, the Dodgers suddenly found themselves scrambling just to secure favorable playoff positioning.

Adding to the drama, ESPN’s current power rankings highlight this team as a fighter to rediscover its rhythm. The Dodgers sit three games below .500 since the start of July, and it is a stark contrast to the team’s usual dominance. Injuries have played a vital role, though current returns from Max Muncy, Alex Vesia, and Tommy Edman provide glimmers of hope. Still, the challenge is rising: the Dodgers need to sweep the Phillies to have any chance of grabbing the No. 2 seed and avoiding the Wild Card round.

That target just got clearer: Dave Roberts said that Shohei Ohtani will return to the field against the Phillies. The decision highlights the team’s urgency, with the Dodgers’ two-way star coming forward to carry the weight of a series that could define the rest of the Dodgers’ season. Shohei Ohtani has been carefully managed this season, returning from elbow surgery. But the star’s availability now highlights just how vital this series has become.

Naturally, the looming concern is whether the Dodgers have enough pitching depth to support Shohei Ohtani’s outing. FanGraphs currently pegs the team’s World Series odds at 16.6 percent, down from 22.9 percent at the beginning of the season. For a roster that boasts Shohei Ohtani and a gathering of All-Star talent, such odds could look generous. However, issues with the bullpen, like the late-inning meltdown in Baltimore, have raised doubts. Dave Roberts admitted that the team would need to get “creative” with piggybacking pitchers to survive the grind. 

And then there is the issue with Roki Sasaki. The rookie has faced injury and battles through inconsistent command, which left the team unsure whether Sasaki should remain a starter or slide into a bullpen role. Dave Roberts admitted that the decision needs to come quickly, with postseason trust on the line. Combine Sasaki’s uncertainty with a shaky bullpen and a thin margin for error, and it is clear why the team’s road ahead looks more treacherous than ever. The upcoming two weeks will not just test the Dodgers’ playoff seeding hopes, but also determine whether this team can truly live up to championship expectations.

That uphill battle is not the only storyline surrounding the team right now; roster decisions are also beginning to dominate interaction as October nears.

Dodgers predicted to cut ties with Michael Conforto this month

Despite the team-building approaches with a sweep of the Rockies, Michael Conforto’s issues are overshadowing some of the positives. Signed to a one-year, $17 million deal last winter, the outfielder was thought to come with steady production. Instead, the star’s .192/.298/.324 slash line has left analysts asking whether the veteran deserves a playoff roster spot. Chris Landers of FanSided projected that he will be the odd man out once the Dodgers submit their 26-man postseason roster.

What makes his prediction sting is the timing. Michael Conforto was once identified as an elite signing that could deepen the team’s lineup, but his inability to perform has made patience run thin. With Max Muncy back, Tommy Edman activated, and Hyeseong Kim nearing a return, Dave Roberts suddenly has alternatives who can provide more effect at the plate. October asks for production, and Conforto has not lived up to his paycheck.

The Dodgers could still control their destiny, but the margin for error is thin. Between the urgency of the Phillies series, every move is vital. With FanGraphs giving the team just a 16.6 percent World Series chance, the Dodgers have no time left to waste.