Dodgers News Recap — September 26, 2026
Published: September 27, 2026 7:00 AM UTC
This article was generated by artificial intelligence and is automatically updated as news breaks. All credit belongs to the original reporters and their publications.
Blake Snell passed his return from injury and we beat the Giants to reach 99 wins. But late-season roster complications are mounting: Blake Treinen is likely out for the playoffs with a shoulder injury, and we’re still managing multiple contributors working their way back. The bye and top seeding remain secure. October is days away, and we’re racing to get healthy.
Snell Returns; Dodgers Reach 99 Wins
CONFIRMED
Blake Snell delivered a solid return from injury, allowing five hits and a run in his first game back. Mookie Betts went deep as we topped the Giants to move to 99 wins with games remaining. Snell’s performance validates that one of our primary rotation anchors is physically ready for October execution. The five-hit outing demonstrates command and consistency, suggesting he didn’t lose effectiveness during his absence.
For Snell personally, this return removes uncertainty heading into the NLDS. He passed his checkup, which means he enters the final stretch of the regular season knowing he’s positioned to anchor a portion of October rotation with confidence. The timing matters. We needed confirmation that Snell, alongside Tyler Glasnow, Tarik Skubal, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is healthy and capable of championship-caliber pitching. We got it.
For us, Snell’s return is the validation piece we needed before October arrives. Our rotation is fully stocked. Our lineup delivered with Betts’ home run. We’re approaching 100 wins and entering postseason baseball with everything aligned for a three-peat pursuit.
Source(s): Los Angeles Times staff | First reported: September 26, 11:05 PM UTC
Treinen Out for Playoffs With Shoulder Injury
CONFIRMED
Blake Treinen sustained a shoulder injury while warming up in the bullpen and is likely to miss the postseason. The right-hander is being placed on the injured list after the injury occurred during routine warm-up activity. For Treinen personally, sustaining this injury during a non-game moment represents the kind of sudden, unexpected setback that can derail a pitcher’s postseason participation. Shoulder injuries carry particular weight for relief pitchers where arm strength and throwing mechanics directly impact performance.
The timing is challenging. We’re entering the NLDS in days, and losing a multi-inning relief option forces immediate bullpen restructuring. We positioned Treinen as part of our relief depth, and now we must reallocate that roster spot and rely on alternative bullpen options. We still have Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, and complementary arms positioned for deployment, but Treinen’s absence means we’re entering October without the depth we’d planned.
This isn’t catastrophic—teams lose contributors to injury and still win championships. But it forces us to be more strategic about bullpen deployment during the postseason and potentially limits our options if we advance. We’ve managed major injuries throughout 2026. We’ll manage this one too.
Source(s): MLB.com staff | First reported: September 27, 12:25 AM UTC
Ohtani Breaks Jersey Sales Record; Four Dodgers Make Top 10
CONFIRMED
Shohei Ohtani broke his own record for most popular MLB jersey in 2026, finishing as the top-selling player jersey across baseball. Freddie Freeman ranked No. 6, Mookie Betts No. 8, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto No. 9, marking the first time four Dodgers simultaneously occupied the top-10 rankings. The jersey sales figures validate that our roster construction has captured fan imagination and commercial appeal at championship levels.
For Ohtani personally, maintaining the No. 1 jersey ranking while managing injury concerns throughout 2026 demonstrates that his commercial value and fan affinity transcend individual performance metrics. His marketability operates at a level where even extended injury layoffs don’t diminish his standing with fans and commercial partners. For Freeman, Betts, and Yamamoto, their presence in the top-10 reflects sustained fan engagement and merchandise sales that validates the front office’s construction decisions.
For us, having four players simultaneously occupy top-10 jersey rankings validates that we’ve positioned the organization for both on-field success and marketplace dominance. This reflects deliberate organizational investment in championship-caliber talent that resonates commercially as well as competitively. Heading into October pursuing a three-peat, the fact that our core players are also our most commercially valuable athletes demonstrates we’ve built something that matters beyond baseball statistics.
Source(s): Dodger Blue staff | First reported: September 26, 1:00 PM UTC
Shaikin: Rotation and Bottom-Order Production Key to Three-Peat
CONFIRMED
Neil Shaikin at the Los Angeles Times examined the Dodgers’ championship infrastructure and identified two critical components for a three-peat: dominant execution from the rotation anchors and sustained production from the bottom half of the lineup. Shaikin highlights that while the four-hitter core of Ohtani, Betts, Kyle Tucker, and Freeman anchors our offense, players like Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages operating outside that primary tier will face increased scrutiny and responsibility as the postseason progresses.
For Hernández and Pages personally, being identified as critical to October success validates that their role is recognized as important to our championship aspirations. Championship teams don’t win solely on elite four hitters and dominant rotation arms. They win because players in secondary roles execute at championship levels during compressed October series. The emphasis on bottom-order production as a differentiator should provide motivation and clarity about their importance.
For us, Shaikin’s analysis validates what we’ve executed all season. We’ve constructed a rotation anchored by Blake Snell, Glasnow, Skubal, and Yamamoto—four championship-caliber arms capable of dominating across a postseason series. But that rotation alone won’t generate sufficient offensive volume across a seven-game NLDS or longer championship series. We need consistent contribution from our depth: Hernández, Pages, Enrique Hernández, Max Muncy, and our catchers. We’ve managed this variable carefully all season and positioned depth strategically.
Source(s): Neil Shaikin, Los Angeles Times | First reported: September 26, 11:00 AM UTC
Rushing Activated; Eyes Playoff Roster
CONFIRMED
Dalton Rushing was activated off the injured list for a second time this season after dealing with right elbow injuries including a UCL tear and flexor tendon problem. The activation came with just three games remaining and positions Rushing as a potential playoff roster consideration despite the compressed timeline. The organization’s decision to activate him despite limited reintegration time suggests confidence that his recovery has positioned him for postseason participation.
For Rushing personally, the organization’s public acknowledgment that he “deserves some consideration” for the playoff roster carries specific meaning. It validates that the organization views his recovery not merely as complete but as championship-ready. The organization could have simply activated him without commentary, but the explicit statement removes uncertainty and allows him to focus on execution rather than worrying about his postseason status.
For us, Rushing’s activation expands our catcher depth alongside Will Smith. The bye and top seeding provide time for Rushing to build familiarity with our pitching staff and establish rhythm before the NLDS begins. We enter October with two competitive catchers and organizational flexibility at a position that matters in postseason baseball.
Source(s): Dodger Blue staff | First reported: September 26, 4:10 PM UTC
Skubal Prepped; De Paula in Triple-A Pipeline
CONFIRMED
Eric Stephen at Yahoo Sports covered Dodgers organizational notes, highlighting Tarik Skubal‘s continued preparation for postseason competition and Josue De Paula‘s ongoing role within the Triple-A system following Oklahoma City’s Pacific Coast League Championship victory. Skubal’s recent shutout against the Giants demonstrates that his integration into our rotation is translating into dominant results.
For Skubal personally, being highlighted in coverage examining postseason preparation reinforces that he’s positioned as a critical rotation anchor entering October. His recent shutout and the organization’s demonstrated confidence suggest he’s positioned to anchor a portion of the NLDS rotation with confidence. For De Paula, his assignment to Oklahoma City places him within a championship-caliber minor league organization at the highest development level, positioning him for potential call-up opportunities if organizational needs change during postseason.
For us, this reporting validates that our postseason infrastructure extends beyond the major league roster. We’re managing rotation anchors with championship-level precision while maintaining our Triple-A depth infrastructure optimized for potential mid-postseason activation if circumstances demand.
Source(s): Eric Stephen, Yahoo Sports | First reported: September 26, 12:04 PM UTC
Comets Face Nationals in Triple-A National Championship
CONFIRMED
The Oklahoma City Comets, featuring our top Triple-A prospects, are facing Washington’s Triple-A affiliate in the Triple-A National Championship at Las Vegas Ballpark. The matchup represents the culmination of a successful Triple-A season for the Comets, who recently captured the Pacific Coast League Championship. The National Championship stage provides championship-level competition that prepares our most advanced prospects for major league demands.
For our prospects competing in Oklahoma City, this championship series represents a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate championship-caliber execution at an advanced competitive level. Every at-bat and every pitch carries maximum significance, which is exactly the kind of competitive pressure that separates prospects ready for major league transition from those still developing. Players who advance through this system will have competed in championship-caliber environments, creating organizational continuity.
For us, the Comets’ presence in the National Championship validates our organizational investment in player development at every competitive tier. We’re pursuing a three-peat at the major league level while simultaneously developing the next generation through elite Triple-A competition. This comprehensive approach to organizational excellence is what separates championship teams from those operating with narrow major league focus.
Source(s): Las Vegas Review-Journal staff, Sports Illustrated staff | First reported: September 26, 2:03 PM UTC
Nine Prospects Named to Arizona Fall League
CONFIRMED
Nine Dodgers prospects were named to the Glendale Desert Dogs roster for the 2026 Arizona Fall League, an increase from eight prospects selected last year. Eduardo Quintero, Charles Davalan, and Chase Harlan headline the contingent with all three positioned as highly-touted organizational prospects capable of contributing to future major league rosters.
For Quintero, Davalan, and Harlan personally, the AFL assignment provides extended competitive opportunity beyond the regular minor league season and allows them to maintain rhythm and performance consistency heading into 2027 planning. The fall league operates at championship levels and attracts elite prospects from multiple organizations, validating that the organization views these players as ready for elevated competitive platforms. For Harlan particularly, the assignment represents accelerated development opportunity despite operating primarily at the A+ level during the regular season.
For us, the nine-prospect roster represents continued organizational investment in player development at the advanced minor league levels. The increase from last year reflects the depth of organizational talent and our commitment to providing development opportunities for elite prospects during the fall window. The AFL serves as a crucial bridge between regular season competition and spring training, allowing prospects to maintain sharpness and be evaluated in condensed, high-stakes formats.
Source(s): Dodger Blue staff | First reported: September 26, 5:25 PM UTC
Monday, Davis, Hershiser Honor Krukow’s Retirement
CONFIRMED
Rick Monday, Joe Davis, and Orel Hershiser recorded video messages expressing gratitude and respect for San Francisco Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow as he steps away from his broadcasting duties. The messages from our front-facing personalities reflect the long-standing respect that exists between the two franchises despite their fierce NL West rivalry dating back to when both teams operated in New York.
For Monday, Davis, and Hershiser personally, taking time to record messages honoring Krukow’s retirement reflects understanding that broadcasting longevity and excellence transcend organizational rivalry. Monday represents institutional memory spanning decades. Davis embodies modern broadcasting professionalism. Hershiser bridges playing legacy and broadcast expertise. All three recognize that great broadcasting, regardless of uniform, deserves acknowledgment and respect.
For us, the organization’s decision to have multiple personalities record messages reflects championship-caliber institutional perspective about baseball relationships transcending rivalry. The Dodgers-Giants rivalry is one of baseball’s most storied, yet underneath that competitive intensity exists mutual respect and acknowledgment that both organizations pursue excellence within the same sport. Krukow’s career advancing Giants baseball deserves recognition. Our public acknowledgment validates that we understand the difference between competitive rivalry and personal respect.
Source(s): Dodger Blue staff | First reported: September 26, 7:25 PM UTC
Jansen Credits Watson; Approaching 500 Saves With Detroit
CONFIRMED
Kenley Jansen credited former Dodgers executive De Jon Watson for his continued success as the Detroit Tigers’ closer. Jansen, who last pitched for the Dodgers nearly five years ago, is in his 17th MLB season and has recorded 22 saves this year while approaching 500 career saves. The right-hander’s acknowledgment of Watson’s influence reflects the lasting impact organizational relationships have even after players move to other teams.
For Jansen personally, crediting Watson validates that organizational influences and mentorship relationships extend well beyond a player’s tenure with a specific team. Watson’s impact on Jansen’s career trajectory demonstrates that coaching and guidance elite closers receive early in development inform their approach for decades. Jansen has maintained elite closer performance throughout his 17-year career, and acknowledging Watson’s role provides organizational recognition of how pitching coaches shape elite arms.
For us, Jansen’s success with Detroit and his public crediting of former organizational leadership validates the development systems that created one of baseball’s most elite closers. The fact that Jansen maintains championship-caliber closing performance in his 17th season—nearly five years after leaving—reflects that the organizational development he received positions players for sustained career longevity. Our historical investment in closing pitching has lasting organizational value that extends far beyond individual years.
Source(s): Dodger Blue staff | First reported: September 26, 2:10 PM UTC
God Bless and Go Dodgers
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