Dodgers: Position Battles to Watch Down the Stretch

This September stretch is going to be a fun and stressful period as the Dodgers jostle for a spot in the playoffs. If the Dodgers are successful in getting to October, it will be these big September games that decide final roster spots and the final starters.

With the current 40-man roster being implemented for September, this gives a plethora of players an opportunity to prove their worth to this team and earn a significant spot on the playoff roster, if the Dodgers are able to reach the playoffs.

This September is unlike any in recent memory.  This September was the first year since 2012 that they entered the month trailing in the NL West. 2012 was also the last season the Dodgers missed the post-season. Ultimately losing the division to the rival Giants, who would go on to win their second title in 3 years that season.

The Dodgers last season had the division all but won entering September of the 2017 season. Not quite this season. It is going to be a bitter battle to the end of 2018. Meaning that players have the opportunity to show they can play well in a playoff atmosphere. Unlike last season the September call-ups rarely had an opportunity to prove themselves in high-stress situations.

This fight for a playoff spot will go a long way towards determining the playoff roster and depth chart. Of course, there are certain players who could have a God awful September and still be an everyday starter in the playoffs. For example, Justin Turner and Manny Machado have their spots locked up.