MLB World Series favorite faces serious trouble as the regular season enters its final few weeks of the year, tell me about this news in (https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/mlb-world-series-favorite-faces-serious-trouble-regular-season-enters-final-weeks)
16-09-2026
The article from OutKick (published on Fox News) discusses how the Los Angeles Dodgersviewed as a primary World Series favorite attempting a three-peatare facing severe issues as the 2026 MLB regular season enters its final two weeks.Key details highlighted in the story include:
- Mounting Injuries to Superstars and Key Starters:
- Shohei Ohtani landed on the injured list for the first time as a Dodger due to knee and arm issues. He will not pitch in the postseason and is not eligible to return as a hitter until the season’s final weekend.
- Freddie Freeman has missed games down the stretch while dealing with severe right knee soreness.
- Andy Pages, who had been one of their top performers, suffered a fractured hand from a hit-by-pitch and has no clear timeline to return before October.
- Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki also landed on the injured list, with manager Dave Roberts noting his return was delayed until late September.
- Severe Bullpen Struggles and Breakdowns:
- High-priced relief pitcher Edwin Díaz has struggled dramatically, posting an 11.85 ERA with 4 blown saves in 11 chances across an injury-shortened campaign, followed by a rough minor league rehab assignment.
- Closer Edgardo Henriquez, who had been a dominant replacement in high-leverage innings, suffered a back injury that ruled him out for the rest of the regular season.
- Playoff Seeding and Looming Competition:
- While the Dodgers clinched a playoff spot, they are locked in a battle with the Atlanta Braves for the National League’s No. 2 seed and a vital first-round bye behind the runaway Milwaukee Brewers.
- The article emphasizes that without the bye, the Dodgers’ compressed timeline to get their stars healthy and back up to game speed could jeopardize their postseason run, especially with surging contenders like the Brewers entering October in much better health.