The Dodgers are NL West champions again, and now they’re eyeing a three-peat despite injury concerns

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their fifth consecutive NL West title and 13th overall with a 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Dave Roberts expressed pride in the accomplishment but emphasized that it's only the beginning. The Dodgers, currently 93-60, will vie for the postseason as they have for the past 14 seasons, matching the Atlanta Braves' record from 1991-2005. Mookie Betts acknowledged the celebration is just the start, stating, "We've got a long way to go."

Following the game, the team celebrated in the clubhouse with sparkling wine and beer, though the festivities were subdued. Roberts noted, "It's nice to see the guys let loose a little bit after playing every day." Despite their success, the players believe they still have much to prove, with Dodgers outfielder Max Muncy asserting, "What we're creating here is special. It definitely doesn't get enough credit."

The Dodgers, who shattered MLB's spending record last year with a $515 million payroll, aim to outshine their rivals and secure the top seed in the NL. Currently, they lead the Milwaukee Brewers by four games for the second seed but trail the Brewers by two games. Roberts reiterated the team's goal to secure one of the top two seeds.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers aim to become the first team to win three consecutive World Series titles since the Yankees did it from 1998 to 2000. This season marks their fourth-earliest division clinching in their history. They hope to return Shohei Ohtani, the four-time MVP, to action as a hitter before the end of the season. Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell, both on the injured list, are expected to return soon, while closer Edwin Diaz and setup man Edgardo Henriquez are also on the IL.

The Dodgers made a significant trade deadline move by acquiring Tarik Skubal, 3-2 with a 2.52 ERA in eight starts, which has bolstered their chances of winning the World Series.