Los Angeles Dodgers: Players that need a big finish to make playoff roster

3. Matt Kemp/Chris Taylor

This one is a bit of cheating as it is two players instead of one. However, the last week of action is going to decide who gets the last outfield spot on the postseason roster. Whoever has the better last week and proves to have the hotter bat is going to win the roster spot.

More from LA Sports Hub

• Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
• LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
• LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
• Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
• LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month

We really could have gone with any combination of outfielder here outside of Yasiel Puig and Cody Bellinger (if we are considering him an outfielder). Every outfielder has their pros and cons, however, I think it ultimately comes down to Taylor vs. Kemp.

A month ago, this would have seemed like a no-brainer as Taylor was ice-cold and Kemp was still a threat to have a big game. However, Taylor’s bat has been getting better, which makes Kemp’s defensive woes that much more noticeable.

Kemp arguably cost the Dodgers two runs on Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks that would have likely not happened with Yasiel Puig in right field. Granted, Puig was not starting due to the southpaw on the mound but the Dodgers cannot afford to have that defense in the postseason.

Puig has been getting better against southpaws so Dave Roberts should be primed to take a slight offensive hit for a huge defensive improvement.

However, if Kemp has an insane last week in which he slugs three home runs and looks like he did in May it is going to be impossible to not include him. If Taylor goes ice-cold again the decision makes itself.

Thus, if you are going to be watching anyone a little closer in the final week of the season, take an extra look at Chris Taylor and Matt Kemp.