The Los Angeles Dodgers keep chugging along, having just completed their ninth straight series win.
But now, they face a huge test as they start a four game series against the Atlanta Braves, they of the best record in the majors.
If all goes well, these two teams would meet in the NLCS. Manager Dave Roberts said he looked at the series as an information gathering exercise hoping that such a scenario happens.
The Dodgers are currently four games behind the Braves for best record in the National League. A series sweep by either team would make huge swings in either direction in that regard. But as well as the Dodgers are playing now, that doesn’t seem likely.
The series will feature the top four players for NL MVP, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman for the Dodgers, and Ronald Acuña Jr and Matt Olson for the Braves. Acuña had been in the lead for most of the season, but lately Mookie and Freddie are making strong pushes of their own.
Pitching matchups for the series are Thursday, Spencer Strider and Lance Lynn; Friday, Max Fried and Julio Urías; Saturday, Bryce Elder and TBD; and Sunday, Charlie Morton and Bobby Miller.
The Dodgers have quite a few pitching updates. Shelby Miller has been reinstated from the injured list. He has been out since mid-June, dealing with neck pain stemming from a herniated disc. That also caused numbness down his left arm. He made three starts in the Arizona Complex League, and five relief appearances in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Ryan Pepiot was optioned back to OKC in the corresponding move.
Blake Treinen continues to deal with soreness and his rehab assignment progression is day-to-day. He still seems unlikely to return this season.
Joe Kelly threw a bullpen session Tuesday, and will throw another on Friday. Dave Roberts said Kelly will throw a simulated game next Tuesday and then the team will determine his next step after that.
But perhaps the most anticipated return could be that of Walker Buehler. Thursday Roberts announced that Buehler will go out on his rehab assignment on Sunday with Oklahoma City.
Walker has been on the IL recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. His return this season was never certain. Buehler set a return date of September 1st in his mind, and has been working hard towards that goal.
Roberts said that Buehler will start by throwing one to two innings in his first start, and will need at least three outings before they consider activating him to the major league roster. No doubt Walker will not be built back up enough for full starts before the postseason, but he could be in a piggy back scenario with another starter or long relief pitcher.
And lastly, Tony Gonsolin will undergo his own Tommy John surgery Friday. Gonsolin had been pitching injured most of the season, but tried to battle through as long as he could as most of the starting rotation was injured. He is not expected to return until 2025.