Monday, August 31

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The stretch run is here, and the Dodgers have work to do.

The first-place Dodgers' path to the postseason is as clear as could be.

However, they know they need to play better to make another deep run in October. The reality of where they are on the regular-season schedule may hone their focus as they inch closer to playing their most meaningful games of the year.

"I do see that once the calendar gets to September," manager Dave Roberts said, "I think guys, by nature, see the finish line more."

Here are four key questions for the Dodgers in the final month of the regular season:

Can the offense get on track?

There's a feeling of déjà vu surrounding the Dodgers' offense, which has been the team's greatest weakness leading into the stretch run. L.A. was in a similar place last year before picking things up at the plate in mid-September and ultimately going on to defend its World Series title. The back-to-back champions have been here before, and they must once again figure out how to emerge from this team-wide offensive slump.

For the time being, Roberts is still looking to give his lineup regulars some runway. The Dodgers need their everyday players to perform in the postseason, and they have a month remaining to get right. But if L.A. doesn't start seeing better results soon, it may force the team's hand to spark the offense.

Who will reinforce the roster?

Active rosters expand to 28 players on Tuesday. The Dodgers are already set to get starting catcher Will Smith back after he was sidelined for nearly three months with an inflamed disc in his neck. There will likely be an additional position-player move because they won't need to carry three catchers. L.A. is looking to add a left-handed bat, likely to supplement its bench rather than shake up the starting lineup at this point.

The Dodgers will also be able to add a pitcher. Justin Wrobleski, who will be eligible to be activated from his IL stint (left forearm inflammation), could be an option to join the bullpen after making a rehab outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. There may be an opportunity for Emmet Sheehan to make a spot start this homestand, when L.A. plays nine games without an off-day, or potentially get a look in the bullpen for the stretch run.

Will Ohtani return to pitching?

Since Shohei Ohtani last pitched on July 3, the answer to this question has consistently been in the affirmative. Now, it feels much less certain after Ohtani's last bullpen session on Friday went poorly, putting his pitching progression in stasis. Ohtani was already looking at a limited time to build up as it was, and a setback could really hinder that timeline.

The Dodgers never count out Ohtani, but at the same time, they must essentially do a cost-benefit analysis as they consider where he goes from here. Given the state of their roster, they feel that he's more valuable to the team as a hitter than a pitcher at this point in time. If they feel that Ohtani's pitching progression is compromising him as a hitter, then that could be the deciding factor.

Will the Dodgers get a first-round bye?

As things stand, there's really no question of whether the Dodgers will make the postseason. It would take an extended skid -- and an incredible surge from the Padres or D-backs -- to knock them out of first place in the NL West. But they have work to do to avoid playing in the NL Wild Card Series in consecutive years.

The Dodgers are tied with the Braves at 82-55 for the second-best record in the NL, three games behind the top-seeded Brewers (85-52). The standings remain close, but L.A. lost the head-to-head tiebreakers to both Milwaukee and Atlanta. The Dodgers can certainly play their way into ending the season with one of the top two records in the NL to secure a bye, but if they tie with the other teams in the mix, it would be out of their hands.

Here are a few notable things to know about the Dodgers’ next opponent, the Cardinals (68-70):

• Probable pitching matchups: RHP Michael McGreevy vs. LHP Eric Lauer on Tuesday, TBD vs. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Wednesday and TBD vs. LHP Tarik Skubal on Thursday

• Cardinals' injuries of note: JJ Wetherholt, who should be in the mix for the NL Rookie of the Year Award, landed on the IL with right wrist tendinitis on Sunday. Masyn Winn has also been sidelined due to a left thumb fracture.

• Postseason picture: The Cardinals are on the fringe, but still hanging around in the postseason picture. They are 5 games out of the third NL Wild Card spot.

• Recent history: The Dodgers visited St. Louis in May, dropping two of three. The season series will be decided this week, but owning the head-to-head tiebreaker is unlikely to make a difference given each team's position in the standings.

The Dodgers are in town for the next week and a half, so here's what's happening this homestand. More details and the full promotional schedule are available here.

• Tuesday: L.A. Kings Night (special event ticket)

• Wednesday: Shohei Ohtani replica World Series ring giveaway

• Thursday: Lakers Night (special event ticket)

• Friday: Dodgers Date Night (special event ticket) and postgame drone show

• Saturday: Yoshinobu Yamamoto "Starter Series" bobblehead giveaway and Union Night (special event ticket)

• Sunday: Andy Pages and Kiké Hernández "The Catch" bobblehead giveaway

• Sept. 7: First Responders Night (special event ticket)

• Sept. 8: Día De Los Dodgers (special event ticket)

• Sept. 9: Nurses Night (special event ticket)

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