Dodgers: Latest Giants’ injury will have huge implications for final push

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had their opportunities to pass the San Francisco Giants, but it’s been a ping-pong match that’s either seen LA lose a game they needed to win or SF simply just not losing. And the crazy part is one of these 100-win teams will be in the one-game Wild Card playoff.

But there are still a handful games left. The Dodgers could make up that ground, but we have to admit they’ll likely have to be perfect while watching the Giants uncharacteristically falter.

Though it feels like somewhat of a longshot since San Fran will finish the year against the Diamondbacks and Padres while LA has the Pads and Brewers, the Giants just suffered a loss that will impact them for the final week of the season and the playoffs.

First baseman Brandon Belt, who’s experienced a renaissance in 2021, suffered a fractured thumb on Sunday when he was hit by a pitch against the Rockies and won’t play in the team’s remaining six games.

Here is the hit by pitch that resulted in a fractured thumb for Brandon Belt pic.twitter.com/V5wwWUHi2l
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 28, 2021

Could Brandon Belt’s injury affect the Giants-Dodgers NL West race?

Belt is the team’s home run leader despite playing in only 97 games this year (he also missed time a few months ago with a knee injury). Nonetheless, his production has featured a .274 batting average, .975 OPS, 65 runs scored, 29 homers and 59 RBI. You simply couldn’t be more efficient if you tried.

Since his return on Aug. 5, Belt has upped his average from .254 and his OPS from .975. He’s hit 18 of his 29 home runs and drove in 31 of his 59 RBI over that span as well. His numbers against the D-Backs and Padres certainly haven’t hurt, either:

vs Arizona – .355 average, 1.154 OPS with 7 runs scored, 1 homer and 5 RBI
vs San Diego – .241 average, .785 OPS with 11 runs scored, 3 homers and 5 RBI

There will be more on Brandon Belt tomorrow from the Giants, but from what I understand, there's a pretty big range in his recovery estimates and postseason play isn't out of the question. He'll go on the IL for the remainder of the season, obviously.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) September 28, 2021

Then again, the Giants were able to get by during Belt’s first absence with LaMonte Wade Jr. and Darin Ruf at first base, so we’re not going to hold our breath. However, it still does affect the overall production of the offense as well as the mentality of the club heading into such a crucial juncture of the season. Losing a veteran voice like that in the locker room really hurts, too.

If this doesn’t end up benefitting the Dodgers in the division race, you can bet it’ll have a significant impact on their likely NLDS matchup with San Francisco.

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Could Brandon Belt’s injury affect the Giants-Dodgers NL West race?

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