Extra Rest Has Dodgers Banking on a Healthier Ohtani for NLDS Opener
Per ESPN, that long layoff before October might be exactly what the top of the lineup needed.
Alright Dodger people, quick digest today because there's really one headline that matters, but it's a good one.
Per ESPN, the Dodgers are heading into their NLDS opener with a big gift sitting under the tree: a long break before the playoffs actually get going. And the way the report tells it, that extra rest has the club expecting a healthier Shohei Ohtani at the top of the lineup when the postseason starts.
I don't need to tell you what that means (but I will, because that's what I do around here). When the guy hitting leadoff is fully right, the whole lineup breathes different. Everybody behind him sees better pitches, the dugout vibe changes, and suddenly that drive out to the ballpark feels a little shorter, you know? Traffic's still traffic, but you're in a better mood sitting in it.
Now, I'll be honest with you — "expect a healthier" guy isn't the same as "guaranteed," and I'm not going to sit here and promise you anything the Dodgers themselves haven't. But a built-in break before the lights come on for real in October? That's the kind of thing you'll take every time. No complaints from this chair.
That's the digest for now, folks. Short one today, but it's the one that counts. Rest up, Big Sal's resting too (well, as much as a guy checking his phone every ten minutes can rest). More when there's more.
