{
  "id": 8086019,
  "title": "The Dodgers are NL West champions again, and now they're eyeing a three-peat despite injury concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/the-dodgers-are-nl-west-champions-again-and-now-theyre-eyeing-a-three",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T19:33:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dodgers-nl-west-champions-again-193335239.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their fifth consecutive NL West championship and 13th title in the past 14 seasons with an 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the significance of the achievement, acknowledging it is not merely a routine event. The Dodgers, currently 93-60, have made 14 consecutive postseason appearances, matching the Atlanta Braves' record from 1991-2005. As two-time defending World Series champions, the team aims to become the first to capture three consecutive titles since the Yankees achieved it from 1998 to 2000. Currently holding the second seed in the NL, Los Angeles trails the Milwaukee Brewers, who possess the top seed.\n\nThe Dodgers are striving to return to full health before the postseason. Starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, a four-time MVP, has been on the 15-day injured list since September 8 due to right biceps inflammation and has been cleared to resume hitting. Roki Sasaki, sidelined with a blister on his middle finger, successfully worked on live batting practice in Cincinnati on Wednesday. Blake Snell left Wednesday's game after one inning due to left groin tightness, and his availability remains uncertain. Closer Edwin Diaz, who has been on the injured list since August with neck inflammation, is expected to be activated by Friday. Setup man Edgardo Henriquez, dealing with lower back discomfort, underwent an MRI on Wednesday, revealing a low back strain, and his rehabilitation will be temporarily paused.\n\nFirst baseman Freddie Freeman, who has battled right knee soreness, returned to action on Tuesday, ending a 3-for-30 slump with three hits. He added two more hits on Thursday. The Dodgers leveraged their trade deadline acquisition of two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Tigers. Skubal has been impressive for the Dodgers, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.52 ERA in eight starts. Their success following the All-Star break contrasts with the 61-36 start to the season. In the loss to the Reds on Wednesday, the Dodgers left 12 runners on base and went 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position, a concern that Roberts stressed needs improvement, particularly in high-pressure postseason situations.",
  "summary": "The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their fifth consecutive NL West title and 13th in the past 14 seasons with an 8-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday afternoon. “It’s a big deal,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. The Dodgers (93-60) are in the postseason for the 14th consecutive season, tying the Atlanta Braves’ record from 1991-2005.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "The Dodgers are NL West champions again, and now they’re eyeing a three-peat despite injury concerns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/the-dodgers-are-nl-west-champions-again-and-now-theyre-eyeing-a-three-8087896",
        "published": "2026-09-17T19:35:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}