The Los Angeles Dodgers already have a challenge on their hands going up against either the Braves or the Phillies in the NLDS. But the Dodgers might be facing their toughest opponent even before they get on the field:

The heat.

In a recent interview, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts said, “I would prefer to play at night, but as far as who we play, I don’t think we really care. It’s going to be a hot weekend, and to play at night would certainly be more beneficial.”

This shows that Dave Roberts cares more about the playing conditions than about which team they are going to face.

The Dodgers already know they will face Atlanta or Philadelphia in the NLDS this weekend. But their Game 1 start time depends on the Cubs-Padres series, despite neither team facing Los Angeles.

If San Diego advances, the Dodgers will play at 1 p.m. Saturday, streaming on FOX. If Chicago advances, Los Angeles will instead play at 6 p.m. on FS1. That strange connection has nothing to do with their opponent and everything to do with television scheduling.

That timing matters even more with temperatures expected to reach 99°F around Dodger Stadium. Roberts has already made his preference clear.

Afternoon heat creates dual challenges: hitters battle shadows and glare; pitchers risk sweat and blisters affecting games.

With almost no wind expected, the afternoon conditions could become a challenge even before the game begins.

The scheduling issue has already created noticeable problems during this postseason.

The Braves drew 30,127 fans for their 2 p.m. opener, filling only 73.2% of Truist Park. The Astros announced 34,011 fans for their 4 p.m. game, also leaving thousands of seats empty. San Diego, meanwhile, had a sold-out crowd for its 7 p.m. opener against Chicago.

But while Roberts wants cooler conditions, the Dodgers have little reason to fear either opponent.

The Dodgers went 4-2 against the Phillies in the 6 regular season games. They also defeated the Phillies 3-1 in the 2025 NLDS. But Atlanta presents a different picture, with the Braves winning 5 of 6 meetings during the 2026 regular season. The Dodgers also lost their most recent postseason series against Atlanta, falling 4-2 in the 2021 NLCS.

On the contrary, the Brewers won all 6 games against the Dodgers in the regular season but got swept 4-0 in the 2025 NLCS. That series showed how quickly postseason pitching, pressure, and preparation can change everything.

For Roberts and the Dodgers, Saturday’s biggest question may simply be whether October begins under sunlight or stadium lights.

Dodgers’ hot hitters who can overcome hot conditions

The Dodgers enter October with 3 hitters heating up at the perfect time for another championship push.

Mookie Betts, Andy Pages, and Teoscar Hernández have all recorded better production recently. Their bats could become important as the Dodgers begin their pursuit of a historic 3-peat.

Leading that group is Mookie Betts, who looked like himself again during September.

He hit .337 with 7 homers, 22 RBI, and 16 extra-base hits that month. His 202 wRC+ ranked among baseball’s best, while his 1.112 OPS showed just how dangerous he is.

After struggling for much of 2026, Betts now enters October as the offense’s centerpiece.

But Betts is not alone, especially after Andy Pages returned from his injury.

He returned for only 6 games, yet still hit .333 with 2 homers and 5 RBI. Then came his 3-run homer against the Giants, giving fans another glimpse of his power.

That power gives the Dodgers a big upper hand, while Teoscar Hernández has also found his rhythm entering October.

Since August 24, Hernández has hit .340 while producing a 165 wRC+. He also hit .341 with 4 homers and 18 RBI during September. His postseason history adds reliability, with homers in 6 of his 7 playoff series with the Dodgers.

Now, those hitters must carry that September momentum into the pressure of October baseball.