Dodgers Began Postseason Bye-Week Workouts
Los Angeles prepares for the upcoming National League Division Series following a bye week.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Baseball
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have commenced mandatory bye-week workouts as they prepare for the start of the National League Division Series on Saturday. The team is currently focusing on individual player preparation ahead of their first postseason appearance.
Why it matters
The team is attempting to minimize pressure by emphasizing single-series outcomes rather than their historic championship streak. The workouts provide a critical window for key players to address health and performance concerns before the playoffs officially begin.
Freddie Freeman recorded a .184 batting average and two extra-base hits in his final 24 regular season games. He is currently utilizing a four-day plan to refine swing mechanics affected by patellar tendinitis in his right knee.
The players
Los Angeles Dodgers
The professional baseball team that won the National League West title and is pursuing a third consecutive World Series championship.
Freddie Freeman
The veteran first baseman is a 10-time All-Star and 3-time Silver Slugger award winner working to restore his swing mechanics.
Edgardo Henriquez
The pitcher returned to live batting practice after ending the regular season on the injured list due to lower back pain.
The details
Freddie Freeman is using the bye week to recalibrate his swing mechanics after struggling with right knee patellar tendinitis during the final month of the regular season. Additionally, pitcher Edgardo Henriquez, who finished the season on the injured list with lower back pain, successfully participated in live batting practice and is expected to join the NLDS roster.
Timeline
September 2026 marked a difficult month where Freddie Freeman batted .184.
Tuesday saw the Dodgers begin their mandatory postseason bye-week workouts.
Saturday serves as the official start date for the National League Division Series.
Sunday at 5 p.m. is the scheduled start time for Game 2 at Dodger Stadium.
Season Trajectory
The current bye-week period forces a reset for the Dodgers, impacting their rhythm as they transition from division play into the high-stakes National League Division Series. This break defines the team's playoff momentum and determines their readiness to compete against the eventual winner of the Cubs-Padres series.
Dodgers fans can expect Edgardo Henriquez to bolster the pitching roster for the upcoming series after his successful recovery session. Meanwhile, the team's ability to advance depends on whether Freddie Freeman can overcome his recent hitting slump during the five-day mechanical reset.
The takeaway
Postseason success often hinges on utilizing the bye week to manage player health and mental resets effectively. Teams that successfully integrate injured players back into active practice during this period often gain a significant tactical advantage in the opening series.
Further reading
Find more updates on the team's postseason progress in the Los Angeles Baseball section.
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