Tommy Edman’s return to the Dodgers’ lineup injects versatility and defense, with Edman likely to split time at center and second as the club wades back to full strength. Andy Pages shifts to left as Teoscar Hernandez holds right; Conforto sits vs. lefties while Edman mans the middle. The plan also teases a potential late-inning role for Sasaki if he sharpens his control, offering a glimmer for a Dodgers bullpen in need of reliable relievers. Offense remains a work in progress, but health could spark a much-needed turnaround.

edman’s presence stabilizes the outfield alignment and platoon flexibility, potentially lifting the order against left-handers and enabling Rojas or Call to start against opposite-handed starters. Sasaki’s rehab outlook adds intrigue for late-inning options, while the club weighs roster moves as the rotation delivers quality starts. The Dodgers aim to maximize health and depth to climb in a crowded NL pack.

A final Awards Watch narrows the field across MLB’s top honors, tallying the leading contenders and the scenarios that could flip the race. In the AL MVP chase, Aaron Judge remains the favorite over Cal Raleigh, with Judge’s superior overall metrics and late-season consistency keeping him ahead despite Raleigh’s historic home run pace. In the NL, Shohei Ohtani’s rare blend of hitting and pitching cements him atop the MVP table, while Juan Soto’s OBP mastery and steals keep him as the strongest challenger. The Cy Young races tighten as Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes lead the American and National Leagues, respectively, with a close fight from Garrett Crochet and Cristopher Sanchez. The Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year categories also move toward clear contenders, though a late surge from a hot starter or a strategic managerial move could still reshape the outcomes.

Across the board, the analysis leans on WAR, win probability metrics, and narrative momentum to assess direction. The final weeks will test durability and playoff scenarios, with the outcomes likely to hinge on late-season surges, health, and the ability to translate big numbers into hardware-worthy campaigns.

Ohtani will return to the mound Monday for the Dodgers against Colorado after a chest cold forced him to DH. Will Smith sat Thursday with a bruised right hand, with x-rays negative and a Monday series in Baltimore looming. Dalton Rushing will handle plate duties while Smith is out, and Ben Rortvedt was added to the roster as a catcher option after Alex Freeland was sent down. Ohtani is hitting .280 with 46 home runs, while also posting a 1-1 record and 4.18 ERA in 11 starts this season, and he leads the NL with 125 runs and a .610 slugging percentage.

Roberts emphasized giving Ohtani a strong chance to reach five innings in his next start, and the club is balancing his need to rest with continued two-way production. The Dodgers also reshuffled behind the plate as they manage Smith’s injury and integrate new depth, while the broader context includes Ohtani’s historic two-way contributions this year and his continued MVP-level impact at the plate and on the mound.

Dodgers call Ben Rortvedt to back up Will Smith as Smith’s right hand injury looms, making weekend duties in Baltimore uncertain. Rortvedt arrived in a late July three‑team deal that included Paul Gervase and Adam Serwinowski. Freeland has been in and out of the lineup, Diaz’s bullpen role is growing, and the surrounding roster shuffles—tied to Rays, Reds, Padres and Pirates—shape catcher depth and fantasy upside as the season tightens.

Rortvedt’s defense-first profile and added catching flexibility for LA come as Smith’s availability remains the biggest variable. Freeland’s mixed hitting and Diaz’s steady bullpen work add other layers to a Dodgers roster that fantasy players must monitor closely for daily moves, IL timing, and potential value boosts in the closing stretch of the season.