The Dodgers are hoping a “different level of intensity” will fix the issues after the week's bye

With their third straight postseason set to begin with a five-day off week – and still reeling from the shock of early eliminations that followed the first two in the last two years – the Dodgers have a few in the best-of ahead of their opener on Saturday Things changed -five National League Division Series.

In contrast to the last two years, when they played in full on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays before the NLDS – after securing a bye in the MLB wild card round as a top-two seed in the NL round – decided The Dodgers are looking for a “more gradual buildup” to that end, according to general manager Brandon Gomes, who is waiting to get closer to game action until Game 1 at Dodger Stadium approaches.

The team is also incorporating “various technologies” (like a Trajekt Arc pitching simulator installed at Dodger Stadium this year) as well as more batting practice on high-speed machines, according to Gomes, to prepare for the type of pitching they expect to face.

But the biggest difference the club has seen so far is in the mindset of its players.

Unlike the last two years, they didn't go to the postseason, instead playing meaningful games deep into September – including a crucial win against the San Diego Padres, a potential NLDS opponent.

And when they reunited at Chavez Ravine on Tuesday, manager Dave Roberts quickly noticed a “different intensity.”

“I see a little more hunger, I see a little more edge,” Roberts said in a video call. “That kind of sour taste you get when you leave the postseason early, our guys are tired of it. So this is another opportunity. I feel that advantage.”

Roberts said the best example came Tuesday night, when the team hosted a player-organized viewing party of the Padres-Atlanta Braves wild-card game, an idea the manager said came from Will Smith, Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas.

Not only did that mean the squad “sacrificed time with family” during a rare break in its busy schedule, Roberts noted, but also as the team began scouting its two potential opponents, Roberts “heard from people who didn’t care was who we were.” playing, (that) they have to beat us.”

“We have a lot to prove,” Roberts said, despite his team’s 98 wins, most of them in the majors. “A lot of people certainly doubted us, and I think our guys kind of embraced that. And I like the edge. I like that hunter mentality about us.”

This week there was also more focus on getting some key players healthy.

First baseman Freddie Freeman (sprained ankle) and shortstop Rojas (torn adductor) have completed baseball activities, Gomes and Roberts said, and remain on track to start Game 1 – although they may not be 100%.

Roberts noted that Rojas' injury plagued him most of the year and did little to prevent a .283 batting average, his best since 2020.

Freeman's ankle, meanwhile, will likely be “limiting” on the bases and defensively at first base, Roberts acknowledged. However, the Dodgers' confidence in him is such that they haven't yet gotten Muncy to initially consider grounders as a potential Plan B.

“There aren't many guys I would bet on more than Freddie when it comes to posting well and playing well,” Gomes said. “So we’ll take our time over the next few days and continue to see how this goes.”

Pitching plans

As expected, Gomes said the Dodgers will use Jack Flaherty in Game 1 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2. Additionally, the team has not yet made any decisions on its starting team, although Gomes noted that Walker Buehler and Landon Knack “will play big.” Parts of what they do on the hill.

Gomes also reiterated that the Dodgers do not expect to use Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher in the playoffs. Ohtani will continue his throwing program, but it has yet to be decided whether he will face any batters in live batting practice in October.

Kershaw update

Clayton Kershaw is still nowhere near a hitter “currently,” Gomes said, as the veteran left-hander continues to deal with a toe injury that has kept him out since late August.

“We will continue to monitor how he progresses,” Gomes said. “I think we all know Kersh. When it comes to a point where he feels like he can go, he will go. But no, he’s not any closer at the moment.”

Squad decisions

Gomes said the Dodgers have not yet decided how they will split their 26-man NLDS roster between pitchers and position players.

In a shorter five-game series, the Dodgers could opt for a 12-man pitching staff, which would allow them to add an additional position player (like defensive center field specialist Kevin Kiermaier). If the club sticks with a 13-man roster, it could pave the way for recently drafted rookie right-hander Edgardo Henriquez into the lineup.

Gomes was also asked about Tony Gonsolin, who made three minor league rehab appearances late in the season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery, but Gomes did not indicate he is currently in the club's plans.