The Los Angeles Dodgers get a benefit ahead of the 2026 MLB Postseason that they didn’t have in 2025: a bye week.
Why the Dodgers needed rest this year
The Dodgers are skipping the Wild Card round this year, watching the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies go at over three games, while the oldest team in baseball rests up.
Third base coach Dino Ebel told Dodgers Nation’s Noel Sanchez that the first-round bye will help the Dodgers manage the injuries players are dealing with.
“I think it’s a benefit for our team. We had some injuries, so it’s good for those guys to get off their feet and get healthy,” Ebel said to Dodgers Nation.
“Anytime you can get some guys that need the extra days, it’s always going to benefit them and the team.
“You like to keep playing; you’re on a roll, and like last year, we just kept rolling through this. We were in the wild card last year, but in 2024 we weren’t, and now it’s a good thing that some guys are getting rest and getting prepared for Saturday.”
At this point in the year, the Dodgers need rest for their lineup and position players.
All of the Dodgers’ key injuries
Freddie Freeman sat out some games a few days ago amid conversations about right knee discomfort.
Shohei Ohtani is the most talked-about player battling an injury, with his left knee and right arm bothering him over the last month of the season.
His production has dropped as a result, and Ohtani has been clear that rest is the best healer right now.
The bye week likely won’t help anyone more than Ohtani.
Andy Pages is a month out from hand surgery, and while he has already played a few games, rest will help him get as close to 100% as possible.
Additionally, Will Smith played most of the games after returning as the team’s primary catcher. He sat out for months with neck inflammation, and as he prepares to shoulder 99% of catching duties, Smith will benefit from a few days off his feet.
