The 2022 Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West title faster than any other team in franchise history, and they were first to both 90 and 100 wins this season.
Health is most paramount for the Dodgers over the remaining weeks of the regular season, but the club is still looking to secure a postseason bye into the NL Division Series and home-field advantage through the World Series.
“I think the biggest thing is just keeping the momentum and trying to win every game that we play,” Kershaw said of the Dodgers’ focus during an in-game interview on the Apple TV+ “Friday Night Baseball” stream.
“We took the day after the celebration to give our big dogs a rest. Even Freddie took a rest, so that was huge. Now we’re back to it. We’re just going to keep playing good baseball and try to win games. I know that sounds cliché, but that’s really the best way to prepare. Is just try to win games.”
Entering play Monday, the Dodgers’ magic number to avoid the Wild Card Series is one. They can check that off the list by defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the series opener, or a St. Louis Cardinals loss.
The Dodgers’ magic number to secure to the top seed in the NL playoffs is seven, and 11 for the best overall record and home-field advantage in the World Series.
They are on pace for 113 wins, which would shatter the Dodgers franchise record of 106 wins, shared by the 2019 and 2021 teams. This year’s team became the 10th in franchise history to reach 100 wins.
None of the prior nine clubs went on to win the World Series, with only four reaching the Fall Classic.
Kershaw balancing personal goal with Dodgers
Kershaw has pitched well in three starts since returning from the 15-day injured list because of lower back pain, and he has a personal focus that needs to be balanced with the Dodgers’ overall philosophy of preparing for the postseason.
“You just want to pitch good heading into October. I think that’s the biggest thing. We’re trying to navigate it,” Kershaw said earlier this month.
“As a team, we’re trying to get ready for the postseason, but also try to win the game. Sometimes those mirror each other, and other times they don’t. So it’s a little bit more challenging at times for a team. But for me personally, it’s just win the game and pitch well, and get ready for the playoffs.”
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