As the calendar flips toward September, most of the baseball world is focused on the playoff chase. Division titles and Wild Card berths are very much up for grabs. But in Los Angeles, there’s an equally intriguing subplot brewing: three Dodgers are embroiled in statistical races that could go down to the wire and add even more intrigue to an already tense stretch run.
Ohtani vs. Schwarber: Home Run Supremacy
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Shohei Ohtani continues to make his presence felt in the National League, battling Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the home run crown. The two have traded shots all summer in a back-and-forth race that feels destined to be decided in the final week. On Tuesday, Schwarber briefly claimed the lead with his 44th blast—only for Ohtani to immediately answer with a 115.9 mph rocket of his own. Schwarber reclaimed the edge the following day with No. 45. Every swing seems to carry playoff-like intensity, with fans around the league tracking the duel in real time.
Freeman and Smith in the Batting Title Hunt
Meanwhile, the NL batting title might be the most crowded race of all. Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, .301 (LAD); Trea Turner, .301 (PHI); Sal Frelick, .299 (MIL); Dodgers catcher Will Smith, .297 (LAD); Xavier Edwards, .293 (MIA); Ketel Marte, .293 (AZ)
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the attention surrounding his two players. “I think it’s good to have both our guys in there and I think it’ll make them both better,” Roberts said. “If they say that they’re not aware of it, they’re not telling the truth.”
Freeman admitted he doesn’t focus on individual awards but smiled at the suggestion. “The only thing I’ll say about it is if you’re talking about a batting title with me, that means I had a good year,” Freeman said.
That he’s even in contention is remarkable given a six-week slump earlier this summer. Since July 21, Freeman has hit .333, climbing steadily up the rankings. “That makes me smile because it means I grinded through it,” he added.
Smith, by contrast, has cooled off in recent weeks, but Roberts believes he’ll still qualify by season’s end.
A Season of Dual Stakes
For the Dodgers, the playoff push remains paramount. But Ohtani’s power chase, Freeman’s resurgence, and Smith’s breakout campaign give Los Angeles fans three extra reasons to tune in each night. The pennant race may dominate headlines, but the stat races unfolding in Dodger blue add an extra layer of intrigue as September baseball looms.