Renee: Teoscar Hernández just lit up the ninth inning with a walk-off double to save the series, but can the Dodgers do it again against Washington? We’re breaking down the pitching matchup, the injury report that’s keeping Dave Roberts up at night, and whether Shohei Ohtani is actually ready to play.
Joel: It’s a tight one. The bullpen is taxed, the rotation is thin, and we have some serious questions about our star DH. But if they get healthy and execute, this series should be theirs.
Renee: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, America’s number one daily sports podcast. I’m Renee, and joining me is Joel. Let’s get into it.
Joel: Hey everyone. Great to be here. It’s September fourth, and the Dodgers are sitting first in the NL West at 83-57.
Renee: They just survived a thriller against St. Louis, winning 3-2 on Teoscar’s heroics to avoid the sweep. Tonight, we look ahead to tomorrow’s game against the Washington Nationals. Here is what we are covering: first, the pitching probable and why the rotation depth is critical right now. Second, the injury list—specifically looking at Bobby Miller, Brusdar Graterol, and the status of Shohei Ohtani. And third, keys to the series against Washington and where we think this goes.
Renee: Let’s start with the mound. The Dodgers host the Nationals starting tomorrow, September fifth. With the roster we have right now, who is lining up for Los Angeles?
Joel: It’s a fascinating puzzle. You have Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Wrobleski, and Tarik Skubal on the active roster as starters. But you also have Gavin Stone, Bobby Miller, and Andre Pallante all on the 60-day IL. That leaves you with five options for a long stretch.
Renee: Five starters for a huge playoff push. Who do you want seeing action against Washington?
Joel: I’d lean toward Tyler Glasnow or Blake Snell to take the ball. They give you the highest floor. But honestly, with the way the rotation has been managed, Dave Roberts might look to use the bullpen more heavily if he gets an early lead. The Nationals aren’t exactly a powerhouse lineup, so leveraging high-leverage arms like Evan Phillips or Tanner Scott could be a smart move.
Renee: Right. And remember, Edwin Diaz is still on the 15-day IL. So the setup role isn’t fully settled either. How does that impact your strategy for Game One?
Joel: It forces flexibility. If Glasnow goes seven strong, you need someone reliable to bridge to Phillips. Alex Vesia or Seth Halvorsen might see increased usage. It’s not ideal, but it’s what the roster dictates right now.
Renee: So, no Edwin Diaz means more pressure on the lefty specialists. Let’s talk about those specialists and the rest of the bullpen. Who else is missing from the mix?
Joel: Brusdar Graterol is out until late October on the 60-day IL. Peter Strzelecki is on the 15-day IL. So you’re relying heavily on Charlie Barnes, Jack Dreyer, Kyle Hurt, Cole Irvin, Brock Stewart, and Blake Treinen. It’s a lot of bodies to rotate through.
Renee: That is a lot of unknowns. Does that worry you heading into a division race?
Joel: It’s manageable if the starters eat innings. But if the offense stalls, the bullpen gets exposed. That’s why every run matters tonight. We saw how crucial Teoscar’s hit was yesterday. One bad inning and the game slips away.
Renee: Exactly. Stick with us—we’re going to break down the injuries next, including the big question mark around Shohei Ohtani.
Renee: Let’s tackle the elephant in the room. Shohei Ohtani. He went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts against St. Louis, and manager Dave Roberts said he looked 'visibly' ailing. What’s the official word?
Joel: He’s listed as day-to-day with biceps and neck issues. It’s concerning because we talked about his return to the rotation recently, but clearly, something wasn’t right physically. He got the day off Thursday after being uncomfortable during that strikeout-heavy performance.
Renee: So, will he play tomorrow against Washington? Or is this a precautionary rest day?
Joel: Given the day-to-day tag, it’s likely he’ll be evaluated closer to game time. If he’s not 100%, they might bench him or use him as a defensive replacement to limit exposure. You don’t want to risk aggravating a neck issue this late in the season.
Renee: And who steps up if Ohtani sits? The lineup looks different without him batting cleanup.
Joel: Freddie Freeman has been the anchor. Mookie Betts at shortstop adds versatility. Kyle Tucker in right field provides power. And if Ohtani is out, you’re probably moving Max Muncy or Enrique Hernandez up in the order. The offense needs to produce runs independently.
Renee: What about the other injuries? We mentioned the pitchers, but what about the position players?
Joel: Masyn Winn is on the 10-day IL. Everson Pereira is also on the 10-day IL. JJ Wetherholt is on the 10-day IL too. So you’re missing some infield depth and outfield options. It puts more pressure on Tommy Edman and Miguel Rojas to handle multiple positions.
Renee: That’s a lot of guys on the shelf. Does that change how you view their chances against Washington?
Joel: It makes it harder, but Washington isn’t beating themselves often. The Nationals are fighting for positioning in the NL Central, but they’re not a top-tier team. The Dodgers’ talent advantage should still win out, even with these absences.
Renee: Fair point. But talent only goes so far if the health doesn’t cooperate. Let’s shift gears to the offensive keys. How do the Dodgers need to perform to secure this series?
Renee: We’ve talked pitching, we’ve talked injuries. Now, what are the keys to the series against Washington? What needs to happen for Los Angeles to close this out strong?
Joel: First, plate discipline. The Nationals’ pitching staff can be wild. If the Dodgers chase balls outside the zone, they’ll get into trouble. Second, clutch hitting. Teoscar showed us yesterday what happens when you deliver in the ninth. We need more of that consistency.
Renee: Clutch hitting is key. And defensively? With Mookie playing short, does that create any vulnerabilities?
Joel: Mookie is elite defensively. He handles the position well. The bigger concern is the middle infield if Tommy Edman gets tired or injured. But overall, the defense should hold up. The offense just needs to support the pitcher.
Renee: So, bold prediction time. Where do you see this series going?
Joel: I think the Dodgers split the first two games, maybe win one and lose one, then take the finale. They’re too talented to drop three straight, especially at home. Even with the injuries, the margin for error is small, but they’ll find a way.
Renee: I agree. They might struggle with the bullpen management, but the starting pitching depth—even if it’s just five guys—should carry them. Plus, if Ohtani returns, it changes everything. But let’s assume he sits. Still a win for LA.
Joel: Exactly. And remember, the Cardinals series was a tough test. This one feels easier on paper. Don’t underestimate Washington, but respect the Dodgers’ resilience.
Renee: Before we go, I want to ask for your help. This show is made possible by listeners like you. Your support directly funds the daily research, the editing, and keeps the feed running so we can bring you this content every single day. If you can spare a coffee, please check the link in the episode description. It truly makes a difference.
Renee: Thanks for listening! We covered the pitching matchup, the injury report, and our prediction for the Nationals series. Subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts.
Joel: Stay tuned for updates on Ohtani’s status. We’ll have more analysis tomorrow morning.
Renee: Go Dodgers! See you next time on the Beatline Podcast Network.