Dodgers With Most to Prove Down the Stretch

When you are on pace for 115 wins or so, there’s not much, if anything, going wrong for you. However, as hot and productive as most of the Dodgers are, there are still some players fighting for a playoff spot.

The playoffs are still about seven weeks away, but you can never start having auditions early at this point. The Dodgers are stacked so tough decisions are going to have to be made when it comes to roster cuts come October.

Michael Wittman recently explained why the Dodgers wouldn’t lose steam even if they clinch earlier than usual. One of the biggest reasons was performing to earn a playoff spot.

Players such as Corey Seager, Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, Yu Darvish, Kenley Jansen and Yasmani Grandal are all virtual locks for the postseason roster, barring something crazy.

However, others are still trying to prove that they can be valuable to LA.

Honorable Mention: Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier

It’s tough to put injured players on the list because…..well they’re injured. But both are expected back before the season ends. Andre Ethier is supposed to begin his rehab soon and is scheduled to come off the DL September 1st.

Last year he returned in September (after missing the first five months) and earned a bench spot for the playoffs. Will he do the same again?

And speaking of rehab, Agon has already started his. Kevin Shacter thinks Gonzo has a big hit, or two, left in his bat so he could make for a valuable pinch-hitter in the playoffs.

But this is all speculation because they have to prove they are first healthy enough to play, which is hard to guarantee.