The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the postseason with significant challenges as they prepare to face the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series. Despite a strong regular season, the Dodgers have struggled to adjust to opposing pitching strategies in recent playoffs, leading to disappointing results.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the need for his players to adapt quickly to the game plans of their opponents. The Dodgers' recent history shows a pattern of underperformance against well-crafted pitching approaches, particularly in high-stakes situations. Last year, Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks illustrated this issue, as he effectively neutralized the Dodgers' offense with a mix of fastballs and cutters.
This year, the Dodgers aim to leverage their offensive strengths, which have historically included a selective approach at the plate. However, the postseason has often seen a reversal of these trends, with increased strikeout rates and diminished power numbers. General manager Brandon Gomes emphasized the importance of learning from past playoff experiences to enhance their performance this October.
With key players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts leading the lineup, the Dodgers hope to overcome their postseason struggles. The upcoming series against the Padres promises to be a strategic battle, as both teams will need to adapt their approaches based on the dynamics of the matchup.