The Los Angeles Dodgers have punched their ticket to the World Series for the first time since 2020. They have faced external expectations and internal injuries, and now there is just one test remaining. Here are five questions to consider before they take on the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium Friday night.
Five Questions Facing the Dodgers for the World Series
Will Alex Vesia Be Healthy Enough?
Alex Vesia had to come out of Game Five of the Division Series against the San Diego Padres due to an intercostal injury. Prior to his removal, the left-hander was dealing. In three postseason innings, he has struck out four and hasn’t allowed any runs. He can be effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters and get more than three outs on occasion. The Dodgers will most likely use him in the late innings against Juan Soto, who had the game-winning homer to send the New York Yankees to the World Series. Los Angeles is hoping that the time from the Division Series to the World Series will be enough for Vesia to recover.
Dave Roberts says Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol are both ‘trending in the right direction’ for being on the World Series roster
Said they both could be game-time decisions when submitting the rosters
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) October 22, 2024
Will the Bullpen Be Effective Enough for Four Wins?
The Dodgers bullpen has thrown more innings than any other team in baseball, due in large part to an injured starting rotation. These relievers have thrown three bullpen games in the postseason as well. Aside from Landon Knack, who clearly did not have it in Game Two, the Los Angeles bullpen has pitched 33 innings and given up 31 hits, 16 walks, and striking out 24. They seem to pitch with a lot of traffic on the bases but get crucial outs when they’ve needed them the most. Will that trend continue in the Fall Classic? One thing is certain, they will get the chance to prove themselves again, as the Dodgers only have three reliable starters going into the World Series.
Will the Offense Continue to Score Runs?
Unlike postseasons in the recent past, the 2024 Dodgers offense has proven that it is able to score runs. In the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, Los Angeles averaged 7.6 runs per game. This includes a .333 batting average with runners in scoring position. Probable National League Most Valuable Player, Shohei Ohtani is 18-22 with RISP by himself. Tommy Edman, the NLCS MVP, had a .407 average with 11 runs batted in. With a banged up pitching staff, it is imperative that the Dodgers continue to slug if they want to win the final series of the year.
Can the Dodgers Starters Get Off to a Good Start?
The Dodgers have played 11 games this postseason. In five of these games. the opponent has scored first. Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Walker Buehler have all struggled to settle in the first inning, and the top of the Yankees lineup is excellent at making pitchers work. Yes, Los Angeles has demonstrated a prolific offense all season and the ability to overcome early deficits all year and in the postseason. However, it would be a huge lift for the team if the starting pitchers could navigate the early innings with minimal to no damage.
Will They Win It All?
The Dodgers have passed every test thus far this season. Now, they are facing the biggest test on the biggest stage of the year. The only question left to be answered is, will they win the World Series?
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