# Dodgers limp toward October as Brewers surge

> MLB’s playoff races are tight, but the favorite’s injury mess may be the biggest October story.
- Title: Dodgers limp toward October as Brewers surge · OutKick
- Summary: MLB’s playoff races are tight, but the favorite’s injury mess may be the biggest October story. The Dodgers still have star power, but their title chase now…
- Keywords: mlb, world series, dodgers, brewers, shohei ohtani, freddie freeman, edwin diaz, american league playoff race, national league wild card, padres, diamondbacks, postseason injuries
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/mlb-world-series-favorite-faces-serious-trouble-regular-season-enters-final-weeks
- Author: Ian Miller
- Published: 2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mlb, world series, dodgers, brewers, shohei ohtani, freddie freeman, edwin diaz, american league playoff race, national league wild card, padres, diamondbacks, postseason injuries
## Chaos with two weeks left
The 2026 MLB regular season is almost over, and several playoff spots are still unsettled. The final games could reshape both leagues.

> trying to predict it remains one of the most futile endeavors in sports
## AL teams flirt with history
The American League race is messy enough that a sub-.500 team could still make the postseason in a full season. Chicago, Cleveland, Houston and Texas are all under pressure.
## Central race tightens
The White Sox have led the AL Central most of the year, but Cleveland is only 1.5 games back with two head-to-head games still to play.
## West race stays open
Houston leads Texas by one game in the AL West at 75-75. They do not meet again, so every remaining matchup matters.
## Wild card gets weird
Cleveland holds the third AL wild card at 76-75. Toronto is one game back, Texas is 1.5 back, and even Baltimore is only three out.

> Somehow.
## Padres chase Arizona
In the NL, San Diego and Arizona are fighting for the last wild card. Their final series could decide the berth and the tiebreaker at Petco Park.

> A dream scenario for the league.
## Dodgers chase a bye
Los Angeles has clinched a playoff spot, but it is still battling Atlanta for the second NL seed behind Milwaukee. That bye may matter more than usual.

> the Dodgers are in trouble. Serious trouble.
## Ohtani heads the injury list
Shohei Ohtani is on the injured list with knee and arm trouble and will not pitch in October. Freddie Freeman’s sore right knee has also cost him starts.
## Bullpen trust is cracking
Edwin Díaz has collapsed from a 1.63 ERA in 2025 to 11.85 in 2026. Edgardo Henriquez and Roki Sasaki are also hurt, leaving the late innings shaky.
## Milwaukee looks ready
The Brewers are healthy, surging and own baseball’s best run differential. With several Dodgers stars below their usual level, October may be wide open.

> might this be the Brewers’ year?
## Key takeaway

The Dodgers still have star power, but their title chase now depends on health, bullpen trust and buying a few extra days with a bye.