The Dodgers’ late-season situation is raising questions about whether they could benefit from a playoff bye to manage star Shohei Ohtani’s health. Both outlets note that Ohtani is dealing with injuries that limit him, and that additional rest could be important as October approaches.
The Los Angeles Times and Yahoo Sports both point out that the Dodgers won the World Series last season without receiving a playoff bye, suggesting the team has previously been able to succeed on a shorter postseason schedule. This season’s discussion focuses less on past results and more on the current timing of Ohtani’s availability and workload. While neither outlet disputes that the Dodgers can contend without a bye, both frame the potential benefit as reducing strain and improving the odds that Ohtani is ready for the postseason. Differences in emphasis appear to be limited, with both articles centering on the same core idea: Ohtani’s condition makes rest valuable heading into October.
