The Dodgers lean on offense while managing Betts at short, a shift that invites defensive risk but keeps the lineup potent in a postseason bid. Teoscar Hernández supplies power and highlight catches, while the team rides a flurry of two-out hits that sparked an 11-4 rout of Colorado. Betts is hitting at career-lows, but Roberts isn’t ready to swap him back to right yet, arguing that scoring remains essential even in a tight race. Shohei Ohtani’s 44th homer and Call’s four-hit night underscore the depth fueling L.A.’s attack.

Alex Call led the way with three or more runs as Freeman, Will Smith, and Rojas joined in with multi-hit efforts, fueling a multi-inning rally that produced eight two-out runs. Emmet Sheehan scattered six innings of solid ball, and the Rockies briefly dented the cushion with a Brenton Doyle two-run shot and Kyle Karros’ first major-league homer. The Dodgers’ offense carried the day, while defense remains a talking point as they chase a postseason spot.

Fantasy managers should watch Betts’ continued positional experiment and Hernandez’s dual-ability to beat you with power while potentially highlighting defensive misplays. Call’s breakout shows the depth behind Freeman and Smith, while Ohtani’s on-base streak and power pace the run-production engine. With 18 hits in the win, the Dodgers demonstrated their ability to win via offense even if the defensive alignment isn’t perfect yet.

Will Smith sits at the center of a quirky NL batting-title chase. His current pace sits at a high OBP and elite plate discipline, but a rule requiring at least 3.1 plate appearances per game looms large as the Dodgers balance rest with late-season urgency. At roughly 500 plate appearances projected, Smith needs a couple more at-bats to officially qualify, a threshold the Dodgers plan to hit even if it means a tiny tilt away from the batting-title race. The broader context: the Dodgers trail or share in a tight NL West race with San Diego, making October readiness more valuable than a single title.

The history of catchers winning the title is a small club, with only four ever doing it, and Posey’s perspective underscores the balancing act: fatigue, grip, foul tips, and the on-base/slugging puzzle all factor into a catcher’s peak year. Smith’s .312 average would be the lowest for a winner in the modern era, yet his .414 OBP and .930 OPS position him as a unique blend of contact and control. Dodgers leadership, including Dave Roberts, insists Smith will qualify, prioritizing October readiness over a narrow stat title, a stance that could redefine how fantasy managers value volume versus efficiency in late-season rosters.

The Los Angeles Dodgers showcased resilience in their recent 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, overcoming a two-run deficit with key hits in the late innings. Will Smith and Freddie Freeman delivered crucial two-out RBIs in the seventh, while Smith's go-ahead double in the ninth capped off a comeback that highlights the Dodgers' ability to thrive under pressure. Despite earlier struggles with runners in scoring position, the team demonstrated grit, especially after a difficult series against the Red Sox. This win, marking their 37th comeback of the season, could signify a turning point as they aim to correct their offensive inconsistencies.

The Los Angeles Dodgers demonstrated resilience in a tightly contested game against the Cincinnati Reds, emerging victorious with a 5-4 win. After struggling throughout July, particularly with clutch hitting, the Dodgers rallied in the seventh inning with timely singles from Will Smith and Freddie Freeman, erasing a two-run deficit left by Tyler Glasnow. Smith's pivotal two-out double in the ninth inning brought in the winning run, showcasing his status as the National League batting leader.

Despite earlier struggles, including a disappointing 0-for-5 performance from Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers capitalized on critical moments in the latter innings. Their comeback victory marked their 37th of the season, proving the depth of their lineup and their ability to handle pressure. This turnaround comes at a crucial time as they seek to regain consistency heading into the latter stages of the season.