Dodgers: 3 rival players who could derail LA’s NL West chase

1. Evan Longoria

Even after we’ve theoretically gotten this guy out of our hair, he just keeps on streaking.

Though we could’ve written “San Francisco’s Entire Lineup” in this top spot, it’s worth noting just how powerful Evan Longoria’s resurgence has been since he finally got back to the field on Sept. 3.

Longo is slashing .286/.433/.524 in the small sample size, which he’s powerfully carried over from his interrupted summer stint; all told, he’s hitting .357 over the last 28 days with a 1.117 OPS in limited duty (12 games). Along with Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and Brandon Belt, the veteran third baseman’s led a group of over-the-hill former sluggers who’ve all surged at once. Longoria’s comeback, perhaps, has been the most maddening; he hasn’t had an OPS+ more than a single point above league average since 2016, often falling well behind that line of demarcation.

Though he’s battled injuries, he’s been brilliant more often than not in 2021, and has pushed the Giants forward during the month of September.

Want an annoyingly under-the-radar name here, too, instead of just the highlighted forgotten star? How about LaMonte Wade, hitting .344 with a .462 OBP and .962 OPS over the past few weeks? It truly never ends with this team; maybe the pandemic reset their “Even Year Magic” and pushed it to the next full, odd season? Sickening. We’re sickened.

Dodgers: 3 replacements who’ve carried LAD in 2021

These 3 Dodgers fill-in replacements have helped carry Los Angeles in 2021, despite low expectations thrust upon them. Way to go!