Dodgers reportedly set return dates for key players ahead of postseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a chance to keep their postseason hopes alive in the series finale against the San Diego Padres on Sunday. After dropping the first two games, the Dodgers are gearing up for this crucial matchup, with a list of key players slated to return to the roster in the coming weeks.

Several Dodgers players are currently engaged in rehab games with the aim of rejoining the primary team. Each player’s return is strategically timed to bolster the roster as they mount a defense of their title this year.

According to a report from MLB.com, the following players are expected to return on these dates:

• Kike Hernandez: August 25
• Michael Kopech: August 27
• Hyeseong Kim: August 29
• Tommy Edman: early September
• Roki Sasaki: early September
• Brock Stewart: mid-September
• Max Muncy: mid-September
• Brusdar Graterol: late September

While Shohei Ohtani, Alex Call, and Mookie Betts among others have been generating plenty of buzz with their standout performances, the return of these players could significantly boost the franchise’s push for a postseason berth.

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting a two-run home run to notch his 1000th MLB career hit in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Dodgers’ struggles against the Padres

Since Friday, the Dodgers and the Padres have been embroiled in a pivotal series that could heavily influence the postseason prospects for both clubs. Currently, San Diego holds a slim one-game lead in the National League West standings, making Sunday’s series finale potentially crucial for the Dodgers as they look toward the next phase of the MLB season.

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However, the Dodgers’ recent performances have left their fan base concerned, especially given the intense rivalry between these two teams. The past two games have been particularly troubling, with underwhelming performances on display.

Key players such as Ohtani, Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández, and Call went hitless in Saturday’s contest, heightening anxiety about the team’s capability to rise to the occasion.

As the series finale approaches, the Dodgers are under pressure to deliver a resurgent performance and prevent the Padres from solidifying their position atop the National League. With the goal of defending their title in sight, Los Angeles must ensure they don’t yield ground to their divisional rivals as the postseason approaches.