The Los Angeles Dodgers are showing promising offensive form in time for the postseason despite losing star Shohei Ohtani to injury. Early season difficulties, including Ohtani’s absence and underwhelming performances from key players, had cast doubt over the team's October outlook. However, Mookie Betts has surged in September after a lackluster August, posting one of the best OPS figures in his illustrious career. This resurgence signals that Betts is ready to make a strong playoff impact.

Kyle Tucker, a recent free agent addition carrying a hefty nearly $60 million salary, faced intense criticism and calls for demotion due to a poor start. By the close of August, Tucker’s batting average was just .228 with only 11 home runs, a concerning output for a player of his caliber. Fortunately, he has dramatically flipped his performance with a scorching ten-game stretch, hitting .429 and slugging five homers in September, recapturing the form that initially drew the Dodgers to him.

Teoscar Hernández also experienced a midseason slump, to the extent of asking manager Dave Roberts to bench him if it benefited the team. Yet, since August, Hernández has rebounded strongly, hitting six home runs and driving in 25 runs while improving his batting average to .291. This offensive revival has allowed him to move up in the lineup, regaining his usual position and increasing his value to the Dodgers as they prepare for October.

Catcher Will Smith, who missed nearly three months with a neck injury, has returned to contributing valuable offense since September 1st. He is slugging .521 with an .883 OPS in 16 games back, providing a timely boost behind the plate. While the Dodgers still hope for some recovery from the injured Ohtani, the combined uptick from Betts, Tucker, Hernández, and Smith is offering new optimism that Los Angeles can continue their World Series championship streak.