Freeman provides steady power for LA, fresh off a homer in the 9-5 win over the Rockies. In a park that dampens some lefty power, Freeman’s disciplined approach and contact ability keep him a top fantasy option against SD’s arms, especially when the lineup supports him late.

Snell anchors the Dodgers’ opening game in a series that could tilt the West. His recent run of scoreless frames across 11 innings highlights a peak ceiling, making him a top DFS option, especially with LA’s support and Petco Park’s dimensions potentially boosting strikeouts.

Dodgers and Padres duel as the NL West remains a one-game separation heading into the weekend. Snell’s Dodgers start contrasts with Darvish on the Padres’ mound, while Freeman and Machado anchor the lineups. LA’s recent 9-5 win and Pages’ blast bolster their road power; the Dodgers aim to extend their series edge and keep pressure on San Diego. Fantasy managers should monitor Snell’s upside and Freeman’s steady power output in Petco Park’s confines.

Ohtani’s postseason usage is debated, with discussions about him potentially pitching in relief. A bullpen role could preserve his bat while maximizing late-game value, but it also complicates his innings and fantasy projections. Any shift could elevate his weekly upside in postseason formats while adding risk in regular-season planning.

The Dodgers’ organizational stance on Otani surfaces as a potential closer-duty experiment in the hypothetical. The episode frames a Dodgers dynamic around preserving Show Otani’s bat while managing his ramping role, highlighting the strategic NFL-like roster optimization in a pennant race.