Dodgers will lose in NLDS for these three reasons

Corey Seager’s elbow injury may alter his spark to the offense

While rookie Cody Bellinger and third baseman Justin Turner lead the team in the majority of the offensive and hitting categories, the one where Corey Seager has shined brightest is the team leader in hits. This season, Seager has amounted to 143 hits thus far, with his elbow injury leaving that consistency out of the lineup.

The Dodgers have been visibly not the same team with Seager missing from the lineup, and their lack of runs speaks for itself.

While the optimist will argue that Seager’s return will not be altered by the injury, a report by CBS Sports indicates that the issue may require off-season surgery. This could be a complete game changer into how the Dodgers use their star shortstop come post-season.

Per CBS Sports:

"An MRI on Seager’s shoulder found inflammation, potentially caused by a bone spur or bone chips. If that is the case, Seager would be able to undergo offseason surgery and return in time for the beginning of spring training."

Rightfully so, the Dodgers are being cautious. No sense in throwing Seager back onto the field when he’s not ready, especially with the kind of divisional lead that they’ve acquired. Seager hasn’t seen the field since Aug. 27, but it could bring serious damage to the Dodgers’ ability to be an offensive juggernaut in the playoffs.