Dodgers Advance to NLCS After Defeating Braves, Gain Preparation Time
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves in the NL Division Series, earning them extra time to prepare their rotation, bullpen, and struggling player Shohei Ohtani for the upcoming NLCS.

Peoria Bloomington, IL, October 8, 2026 — The Los Angeles Dodgers have advanced to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) following their victory over the Atlanta Braves in the NL Division Series (NLDS). This advancement grants the Dodgers valuable additional time to refine their team’s key components ahead of the next round of the postseason.
The extended preparation period is particularly significant for the Dodgers’ pitching staff, including both their starting rotation and bullpen. The team will have extra days to strategize, rest pitchers, and potentially make adjustments to their pitching assignments. The summary indicates that the Dodgers are also focusing on player Shohei Ohtani, who is described as struggling. The specific nature of Ohtani’s struggles or the detailed plans for his preparation were not provided.
By defeating the Braves, the Dodgers secure their spot in the NLCS, where they will face an as-yet-undetermined opponent. The extra time is expected to allow the team to address any prevailing issues and ensure they are in optimal condition for the high-stakes competition of the championship series. Further details regarding the specific performance metrics that led to the assessment of Ohtani’s struggles or the precise nature of the team’s preparation strategies were not available in the provided summary.
Story summarized from the original created by CHARLES ODUM, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.
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