As the NBA and NHL playoffs intensify, the Los Angeles Dodgers have maintained their position at the top of the National League West. With a record of 21 wins at the end of April, they are on pace to win 110 games this season. Despite facing injuries to 13 pitchers, the team is still highly favored to make the playoffs, with a 98.3% chance according to Baseball Prospectus.

The Dodgers are not merely focused on regular season victories; their strategy revolves around assembling a robust pitching staff for the postseason. Their 32 pitchers include those on the active roster, minor league options, and even two-way players like Shohei Ohtani.

The team management, led by President Andrew Friedman and Manager Dave Roberts, has prioritized maximizing the potential of their pitching lineup while managing the workloads of their veteran position players, including Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. However, the team does not strictly adhere to 'load management' principles familiar to basketball fans. With Freeman recently commenting on the Dodgers' approach to managing his playing time, it’s clear the focus is still on winning while preparing for October.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to solidify their status as a powerhouse in the MLB, finishing April with a league-leading 21 wins, the highest for the franchise since 2013. Despite struggling with injuries, especially on the pitching staff, the Dodgers remain on track for a potential 110-win season, with a remarkable 98.3% playoff likelihood.

Manager Dave Roberts emphasizes the importance of managing player workloads, particularly among the veteran core, as the Dodgers aim for postseason success. Notably, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman have accumulated significant postseason at-bats in recent years, with the team strategizing to maintain their effectiveness while navigating the demands of extended playoff runs.

Clayton McCullough's return to Dodger Stadium was met with warm receptions, including a heartfelt embrace from Mookie Betts and a pregame ceremony honoring his contributions to the Dodgers' 2024 World Series victory. However, the game took a different turn as the Dodgers narrowly defeated his new team, the Miami Marlins, with a final score of 7-6.

The Dodgers initially secured a 5-0 lead, featuring stellar performances from Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández, whose two-run homer marked his ninth of the season. But the Marlins staged a stunning comeback, highlighted by a grand slam from Dane Myers that tied the game at five. Despite several missed opportunities to extend their lead, the Dodgers clinched the victory in the 10th inning with a walk-off single from Tommy Edman.

Clayton McCullough, the Miami Marlins' first-year manager and former Dodgers first base coach, made a heartfelt return to Dodger Stadium, receiving a warm welcome from his former players and a 2024 World Series ring. Unfortunately, the camaraderie didn't translate to the game as the Dodgers narrowly defeated the Marlins 7-6, overcoming a surprising comeback from a five-run lead.

In a game highlighted by Shohei Ohtani's and Freddie Freeman's contributions, the Dodgers initially appeared to be in control. However, an unexpected grand slam by Dane Myers of the Marlins changed the game dynamics. Despite squandered chances, the Dodgers managed to clinch a walk-off victory with Tommy Edman's decisive hit in the 10th inning.