Predicting the Dodgers’ starting lineup and roster in October

The regular season is winding down, and the playoffs are quickly approaching. The Dodgers clinched their seventh straight NL West title last night. With postseason baseball being only a few weeks away, we’re still trying to figure out how the roster will look in October.

Some players are locks, and some have a higher chance than others. Though, there isn’t still a clear obvious list for who will crack the 25-man team. So, today, we’re going to try and see who will be suiting up for LA as they begin their quest for their first championship in over 30 years.

Who will make the roster?

I’ve touched on it in the past, but it’s likely that the Dodgers will go with 13 pitchers and 12 hitters this year in October. Maybe they switch things up and go with 13 hitters, but for the sake of this article, let’s go with what I’m expecting. Also, this is assuming everyone is fully healthy.

Hitters:

• Cody Bellinger
• Corey Seager
• Justin Turner
• Max Muncy
• A.J. Pollock
• Alex Verdugo
• Joc Pederson
• Chris Taylor
• David Freese
• Enrique Hernandez
• Will Smith
• Russell Martin

Pitchers:

• Clayton Kershaw
• Walker Buehler
• Hyun-Jin Ryu
• Kenley Jansen
• Joe Kelly
• Pedro Baez
• Julio Urias
• Rich Hill
• Kenta Maeda
• Adam Kolarek
• Tony Gonsolin
• Caleb Ferguson
• Ross Stripling

For the most part, assuming everyone is healthy, those are the 12 hitters I believe we’ll see in October. There may be a debate between Barnes and Martin as to who will be the backup catcher. I wouldn’t be shocked if Barnes will get the job over Martin, due to his postseason experience and the fact that he is seven years younger. However, at this moment, I think the edge will go to Martin.

I can’t see the Dodgers swapping any other position players. The only wild-card I can see happening is with David Freese, especially if he is not 100 percent. However, the large reason they’ve rested him so much this season is to make sure he’s fully healthy in October.

The pitching is where things will get interesting. You’d assume the locks are Kershaw, Buehler, Ryu, Hill, Jansen, Baez, Kelly, Urias, Maeda. I think Kolarek has a secured spot, since he’s one of the better lefty options for LA. This leaves three potential spots left.

Ultimately, it’s going to come down to Stripling, Ferguson both rookies Dustin May and Gonsolin, as well as potentially Casey Sadler and Yimi Garcia.

Early on, it looked like Ferguson wouldn’t even be considered as an option, but over the last two months he has been one of the better relievers for the Dodgers. Since July 21, Ferguson has posted an ERA of 1.69, while holding opponents to a .135 average. Over his last nine games, he’s allowed only one run while striking out 13. If he can continue this trend into October, I don’t see a way he doesn’t end up on the roster.

There’s been a lot of debate on whether or not both of the rookie pitchers will crack the roster in October. While there still is time for both to make their cases, I think Gonsolin will get the edge over May. In Gonsolin’s seven games with LA, his ERA is 2.81 with a WHIP of 1.03, compared to May’s 4.91 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in his seven games.

What can the potential lineup look like? Here’s my best guess against righties.

LF: Joc Pederson

SS: Corey Seager

3B: Justin Turner

RF: Cody Bellinger

1B: Max Muncy

CF: A.J. Pollock

2B: Chris Taylor

C: Will Smith

Against lefties, my guess would be:

CF: A.J. Pollock

SS: Corey Seager

3B: Justin Turner

RF: Cody Bellinger

1B: Max Muncy

2B: Enrique Hernandez

LF: Alex Verdugo

C: Will Smith

Whatever happens, the Dodgers are going to have a great 25-man roster, and they are going to be the favorites to win the National League. A lot can still happen between now and the first month of October, so we’re just going to have to wait and see who will make the cut.