Now that the Dodgers have officially won the NL West, they are preparing for the postseason hurdles that must be crossed in order to appear in their third consecutive World Series. Make no mistake, a couple of those hurdles could be large speed bumps, or worse – become roadblocks.

The first hurdles in the Dodgers path is getting Rich Hill, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, and Alex Verdugo back into game-ready health from the injured list. With two weeks of regular-season games remaining, it is unlikely that Verdugo will be ready to play in the NLDS. Make no mistake, playing the postseason without Verdugo is a speed bump for the Dodgers; he is an offensive force in the batting order and a Gold Glove quality outfielder.

On Thursday, Rich Hill’s first starting assignment since June 19 went from hurdle to potential speed bump in less than one inning. Hill was forced to leave the game due to left knee pain, perhaps a recurrence of the strain that kept him on the IL for the first 30-days of the 2019 regular season. A healthy Hill has the ability and experience to be a difference-maker as either a starting pitcher or a reliever. Hopefully, the trainers and medical staff will take care of the issue, avoiding a season-ending trip to the IL.

The prognosis for Max Muncy (fractured wrist), and Justin Turner (ankle sprain) are much more positive. Muncy is expected to be in the lineup on Friday when the Dodgers play the Mets at Citi Field and Turner is now “day-to-day” recovering from an ankle sprain. Not having either of these players would be a huge speed bump for the Dodgers, losing both for the postseason would likely be a roadblock.

Other potential speed bumps?

• the team’s uninspired, on-field performance since August 14th, with a record of 3-wins and 8-losses against teams with .500 or better win-loss records
• Cody Bellinger’s recent struggles at the plate (slashing .250 / .372 / .417 / .789 in September)
• Recent erratic pitching performances by Clayton Kershaw, and Hyun-Jin Ryu
• The season-long inconsistency of closer Kenley Jansen.

Of course, the big hurdles, or speed bumps, are the teams the Dodgers must defeat in the NLDS, and NLCS to return to the World Series. Eight teams realistically remain in the hunt for the other four playoff spots: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Nationals. Whether the Dodgers opponent in any series will be just another speed bump or a roadblock, remains to be seen. But, if the Dodgers remain healthy and play to their capabilities, they should be playing in their third consecutive World Series.

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