Dodgers Secure Top‑Two Spot, Avoiding Wild‑Card Play

The Los Angeles Dodgers have locked a top‑two National League finish, earning a first‑round bye and home‑field advantage in the NLDS. The win, secured after the Braves’ loss to the Reds, positions the team for a potential three‑peat. The Dodgers’ strategy to avoid a week‑long break has paid off, an…

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:38:22 GMT

The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured a spot in the top two of the National League, guaranteeing them a first‑round bye and home‑field advantage in the upcoming National League Division Series. The milestone was achieved after the Atlanta Braves fell to the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night, allowing the Dodgers to lock in a 97‑61 record and avoid the best‑of‑three wild‑card round.

How the Bye Changed the Playoff Landscape

Under the current MLB postseason format, the two teams with the best records in each league receive a week‑long break before the Division Series. While this rest period can be a double‑edged sword, the Dodgers have learned how to make the most of it. In 2022 and 2023, the team was eliminated in the NLDS after a bye, sparking concerns about the negative effects of the extended break. In 2024, the Dodgers adjusted their off‑week routine, incorporating more simulated games and spending extra time in the ballpark during workout days. The result was a dramatic comeback against the San Diego Padres, where they overcame a 2‑1 deficit to win the series and claim their first consecutive title.

Strategic Focus on Health and Momentum

With key players like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman battling injuries, the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff prioritized securing the bye to reduce the number of high‑intensity games the roster would face. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of the break, noting that it allows the team to reset and maintain health for the long stretch ahead. "It’s always helpful in the sense of giving your guys a break to reset," Roberts said. "But given all the tax and where our guys are health-wise, to get that week would be huge."

Beyond the physical benefits, the bye also provides a psychological advantage. The Dodgers have consistently performed well in the regular season’s final stretch, and the extra time allows them to fine‑tune strategies and give younger players a chance to rest. The team’s 13th NL West title in 14 years is a testament to their sustained excellence and ability to capitalize on postseason opportunities.

Looking Ahead: The NLDS and Beyond

With the bye secured, the Dodgers will face the San Diego Padres in the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3. Home‑field advantage will be crucial as the Padres have been a formidable opponent in recent years. The Dodgers’ roster depth, led by power hitters and a solid pitching staff, positions them well for a best‑of‑five series. If they advance, the team will be on the cusp of becoming the first National League club to win three consecutive World Series titles.

While the Dodgers have already met their primary postseason seeding objectives, the possibility of securing the No. 1 seed remains. To achieve that, they would need to finish the season’s final weekend with a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, who currently hold the best record in MLB at 100‑59. However, Roberts has indicated that the main priority is simply playing good baseball and maintaining the bye advantage. "The last couple weeks, we’ve just played good baseball and the fallout is this or that. We want to get the bye, and then if it happens that we keep playing well and we gain a couple games on the Brewers, great," he said.

Significance for the Franchise and the League

The Dodgers’ pursuit of a three‑peat would set a new benchmark in Major League Baseball, challenging the historical dominance of teams like the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. It would also reinforce the Dodgers’ status as a perennial powerhouse in the National League, solidifying their reputation for strategic roster management and postseason resilience.

For fans, the journey to a potential three‑peat is a narrative of perseverance, strategic planning, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Dodgers’ ability to navigate the complexities of the modern MLB postseason—balancing rest, health, and competitive momentum—serves as a case study for other franchises aiming to replicate their success.

As the Dodgers prepare for the NLDS, the entire baseball community will be watching closely to see if the team can sustain its dominance and achieve a historic milestone that would echo through the annals of the sport.

In the end, the Dodgers’ strategic focus on securing a bye, managing player health, and maintaining competitive rhythm positions them uniquely for a chance at the ultimate baseball achievement.

Key facts

Dodgers clinch top‑two NL finish, earning a first‑round bye
Strategic changes to off‑week routine paid off in 2024
Key injuries to Ohtani and Freeman make the bye vital
Dodgers will face Padres in NLDS at home
Potential to become first NL team with three straight titles
The bye reduces high‑intensity games, aiding health and momentum

Why it matters

Securing a first‑round bye gives the Dodgers a crucial advantage in the playoffs, reducing injury risk and allowing focused preparation for a historic three‑peat pursuit. It also highlights the evolving strategies teams use to navigate MLB’s postseason structure.

Frequently asked questions

What is a first‑round bye in MLB playoffs?

A first‑round bye allows the top two teams in each league to skip the best‑of‑three wild‑card round, giving them a week‑long rest before the Division Series.

Why did the Dodgers change their off‑week routine?

After being eliminated in the NLDS in 2022 and 2023, the Dodgers incorporated more simulated games and ballpark time to stay sharp during the week‑long break.