The Dodgers are wrestling with corner-outfield defense as they push toward the final 34 games, with Betts staying at shortstop for now and no active plans to move him back to right field. The club must improve on a combined 19th-ranked WAR and 22nd in defensive rating from their corner outfield spots, and the immediate options revolve around a platoon approach rather than a big swing for a substantial defensive upgrade.

Teoscar Hernández’s glovework in right has drawn scrutiny, and Michael Conforto has struggled offensively and defensively, pressing Los Angeles to maximize production from the other corners. Alex Call has emerged as the most logical short-term fit if they want to diversify their outfield look, while Teoscar, Kiké Hernández and Hyeseong Kim provide potential IL/injury reinforcements and depth as the season winds down.

The plan hinges on not over-committing Betts to an outfield return unless a clear fix materializes. The Dodgers are weighing Call, Conforto, and the veteran options in a fluid, platoon-driven approach, hoping improvement in defense translates to better late-season results. Edman remains the wild card if physical healing allows him back into the mix.

As the Padres loom in San Diego, the Dodgers’ outfield defense could become a pivotal factor in a tight NL West race and a potential postseason push, underscoring that defense in the corners is as important as offense at this stage of the year.

Dodgers harnessed Coors Field’s hitter-friendly environment to seize a pivotal series-clinching win, riding a 4-1 lead after two frames into a 9-5 final that kept them a game clear of San Diego. Mookie Betts opened with a walk and Freddie Freeman followed with a center-field homer, Freeman’s 16th of the year. Los Angeles stacked more runs in the second, with Alex Call, Miguel Rojas and Betts fueling a bases-loaded situation that produced continued pressure. The onslaught extended through the afternoon as the Dodgers stacked hits in five straight innings and Clayton Kershaw weathered Rockies’ rallies to post win #8. Colorado’s early response came on a Hunter Goodman ground-out that plated a run off Dollander, but fell short as Freeland and company didn’t let up. The Rockies chipped in late with two runs, but the Dodgers answered with timely hits and patient at-bats, setting up a showdown with the Padres. Also noted: Roki Sasaki made progress in a promising update for Dodgers’ pitching depth, while Shohei Ohtani sat, remaining the best-scoring Dodger in August. Fantasy takeaway: LA’s top-bullet hitters continue to click, and a high-octane series against San Diego looms, making Betts, Freeman, and Conforto strong daily options while the Rockies’ power prospects show sporadic upside in Colorado’s lineup.

Jamie's MLB DFS notebook for Thursday 8/21/25 spotlights a six-game DK slate and a three-game FD slate, with the Dodgers anchoring the night and an emphasis on elite arms alongside shrewd value plays. Ohtani’s absence nudges the lineup toward a power-heavy Dodgers pipeline and raises the floor for Freeman, Betts, and Hernandez. Immanaga and Gore headline the pitching options, while Cease and Priester offer differentiated paths on a short slate. India and Smith stand out among infielders and Seager, Pederson, and Teoscar headline the outfield mix, with Grichuk and KC stacks weaving through a few key playbooks. Dodgers stacks against Dollander dominate the strategy, Royals vs Corbin adds another high-upside angle, and Oakland vs Urena provides a rarer DK-only angle. Windy conditions and Coors Field volatility add another layer of nuance.

Value picks abound: India leads off Kansas City with run-scoring upside against Corbin, Kurtz and Pederson bring budget-friendly pop, and Will Smith’s multi-position eligibility creates lineup flexibility. Teoscar Hernandez and Freeman help round out a potent Dodgers lineup while Seager and Betts fill premium slots. In diversified builds, mixing Dodgers core with Royals and A’s targets can unlock salary relief without sacrificing upside. Injury news and lineup shifts remain critical as the day unfolds.

In short, the slate rewards balanced exposure: a top arm pairing in Imanaga/Gore with Cease/ Priester as a flexible pivot, big Dodgers stacks, and selective value adds across KC and OAK while staying mindful of weather and time constraints across DK and FD.