Ohtani finally pitched like a frontline starter, delivering five innings of one-run ball with 9 strikeouts and a season-high 14 whiffs in a 5-1 Dodgers win over Cincinnati. A new, unpredictable plan had him leaning on secondary stuff—curves at a career-high 23 times and a splitter 11 times—while still mixing in a 100-mph heater. The result: deeper into games and more balance, after months of shorter bursts as an opener.

With Freeman out, LA still showed its depth as Conforto and Rushing supplied the offense. The Dodgers sit two games up in the NL West, and Ohtani’s clocked-up arsenal bodes well for October as LA mulls a potential high-leverage role alongside a rotation that could include Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow and Kershaw.

Freeman sits out with a neck stinger, a recurring issue that costs him a few games. Dodgers shift Kiké Hernández to first base, hoping to keep the lineup productive while Freeman rests. Freeman leads the NL with a .302 average and is tied for the league lead in doubles (34), making his absence a notable fantasy blip for a few days.

Alex Call joins the day-to-day or lineup-shuffle chatter with a back flare that sidelined him Tuesday. The Dodgers face the Reds, and Hernández’s move to 1B could unlock some favorable lineup spots for LAD while Freeman recovers, so fantasy managers should monitor Freeman’s status as the team aims for a Friday return.

Kershaw’s August run shows vintage control, five innings and 14 straight outs as the Dodgers beat Cincinnati. He’s 5-0 on the month with an ERA under 2, even if the first inning reminds him to stay focused. Ohtani is slated to reach five innings in Wednesday’s start, while Alex Call left Tuesday with a lower-back issue and is hoped to return soon. Miguel Rojas produced a go-ahead double, and Edman spoke on his return and multi-position readiness.

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.