3 weaknesses that could sink Dodgers in MLB 2024 playoffs ft. starting pitching

Many expect the Los Angeles Dodgers to make a deep postseason run, and rightfully so. The National League juggernauts have one of the most star-studded rosters in the MLB and might have more pressure than any other team to bring a World Series title home.

Thanks to arguably the best trio in the league which features Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the current betting favorites to win it all.

On popular sports betting sites, Los Angeles sits as the team with the best odds to win the World Series with a +300 ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies (+420) and the New York Yankees (+450).

All that being said, Los Angeles is not without their flaws heading into the postseason. Unlike some years, there is no clear powerhouse that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

For Los Angeles, there are a few areas of concern as the playoffs approach.

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Bullpen, and 2 other weaknesses that could hurt the Dodgers in the playoffs

Starting pitching

One of the biggest question marks for the Dodgers as they head into the postseason is their starting pitcher rotation. This is not to say that it is not a solid unit, but a number of their best pitchers have struggled to remain healthy this season, forcing the team to rely on some younger, inexperienced players.

Both Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow are sitting on the IL, with Glasnow being placed on the 60-day IL in the middle of September. This is not to mention the likes of Gavin Stone, who is also unlikely to return this year.

If the Dodgers are going to struggle this postseason, the pitching staff might be one of the main reasons why.

Bullpen

The bullpen has been a question mark for the Los Angeles Dodgers all season. Although there is some obvious talent, the team does not have a bona fide closer locked into the position.

Manager Dave Roberts has relied on several players to close games, so finding the right combination with the season on the line could be the downfall of the club in the playoffs.

Lineup Depth

Another question mark for Los Angeles is the team's lack of depth in their lineup. While Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts are among the best in baseball, the bottom half of the order has been inconsistent throughout the season.

Stars such as Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith, and Max Muncy have the ability to make an impact, but relying on players such as Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor might leave something to be desired for some fans.

The star power is there but so is the inconsistency in the bottom half of the order.