Max Muncy said on September 27, 2026, that the Los Angeles Dodgers' poor record against playoff teams does not matter because postseason results depend on which team plays well in October.
“It doesn't matter,” Muncy said, adding that the Dodgers are blocking out the pressure of trying to win three consecutive championships. “We're just trying to focus on what we have ahead of us without the added noise.” He said the Dodgers have five days to prepare for their postseason game.
Muncy cited the San Diego Padres' 2022 regular-season dominance over the Dodgers before a postseason victory as evidence that regular-season matchups do not predict October outcomes. He also said the Dodgers will monitor whether they face the Philadelphia Phillies or Atlanta Braves but must prepare for either opponent because every postseason team is dangerous: “Whoever we play is whoever we play.”
The Dodgers plan to use their 2024 bye-week formula by keeping players together at the ballpark for extended periods while allowing them to rest and recover. Muncy noted that previous approaches did not work, saying, “We had a couple years where we didn't do it that way and it really didn't work out well for us.” He added that live at-bats and simulated games can preserve timing, but “There's just no way of replicating like the emotion that goes into playing a postseason game.”
Muncy said September offensive momentum could carry into the postseason, while rejecting the description of some opponents as lesser players: “This is the big leagues. These are the best players in the world.” He stated that the Dodgers are a good defensive team and expects their preparation and experience to help them make the necessary plays in October. The Dodgers plan to keep players together during the bye, may face the Philadelphia Phillies or Atlanta Braves, and expect to make defensive plays in October.