The Los Angeles Dodgers entered September pursuing a 13th consecutive playoff appearance, either via a division title or a Wild Card spot. The roster faced numerous injuries and several key players endured extended slumps, creating uncertainty throughout the season. Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw emerged as the primary sources of stability and consistent performance amid those challenges. Freeman played in all but 14 games, produced another solid offensive season and remains a contender for the batting title. Kershaw, the longest-tenured Dodger, adjusted his approach as his stuff declined and continued to give the team quality outings.
"I think the constant with this season, it's easy for me to point to Freddie and Clayton," manager Dave Roberts answered when asked what the Dodgers' identity is. "When you don't have your best, those two players in particular will themselves to performance. I think that's something that's a lesson for all of us. So I think if I had to point to something as far as an identity, it's those two guys."
Freeman, now in his fourth year with the Dodgers, has appeared in all but 14 of the team's games this season. Despite struggling at times himself, Freeman has put together another solid year and is in the running to win his first batting title. Kershaw, the longest-tenured Dodgers player, continues to be a steady presence as well. Even with his overall stuff declining, Kershaw has found ways to reinvent himself on the mound to give the team a chance to win on any day.
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