As the MLB playoffs approach, the excitement is palpable, but for the top-seeded teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies, a five-day break before the Division Series could be a mixed blessing. While some players relish the chance to heal and prepare, the history of the recent playoff format raises concerns about how this extended time off could impact performance.
The Challenge of Rust
Since the implementation of the 12-team playoff format in 2022, history has shown that a lengthy layoff can be detrimental to teams that earn byes. Out of the eight top seeds, five have stumbled in the Division Series, unable to translate their regular-season success into playoff victories. The Dodgers and Phillies, who finished the regular season strong, now face the unique challenge of staying sharp while they watch other teams battle it out in the Wild Card Series.
Bryson Stott, second baseman for the Phillies, summed it up well: “It’s not a vacation.” The routine that players have maintained throughout the grueling 162-game season is suddenly disrupted. In a sport defined by rhythm and consistency, five days without game competition can feel like an eternity. With so few breaks during the season—only one extended All-Star break to disrupt the flow—this pause can leave players feeling out of sync.
The Fine Line of Preparation
For the Dodgers and Phillies, the focus now shifts to how they can maximize their preparation during this unusual break. Teams must find a way to keep players engaged without the adrenaline of live games. This could mean more in-depth practice sessions, simulated games, and mental conditioning to ensure they are ready for the heightened stakes of the playoffs.
As they gear up for their respective matchups starting Saturday, the questions linger: Will they capitalize on the rest and emerge fresh and focused, or will they struggle to find their rhythm after an extended hiatus? The answers will unfold soon, and fans will be watching closely.
