Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers are changing baseball constantly. From star players, to salaries, to breaking records and upsetting opposing fans, the team has the attention of not only the nation, but the world. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson, three writers who intimately cover the team, take you through the ups and downs of the season as they try to win another World Series. Or sign another superstar. They might do both.
Episodes
Dodgers Debate: The pitching blues of the summer
The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen is coming back to earth, blowing numerous games lately. And is Shohei Ohtani going to watch a new catcher after some ABS issues? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look into the team’s recent pitching woes and wax philosophical about the 2020 World Series ahead of the team’s series against the Tampa Bay Devil Ray
Dodgers Debate: The team is calm,fans should be, too
The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be cruising at the moment, comfortably first in their division. Injured players are healing, some are coming back to form and the bullpen has been lights out. However, fans seem to still be stressed for some reason. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson talk about why they think some fans are getting angry and who t
Dodgers Debate: Age might actually be an issue
They had pitching injuries, now they have position player injuries. Dod the Dodgers have enough young players to make up for the loss of their veterans? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson break down who is out, who is in and how great it is when Shohei Ohtani curses.
Dodgers Debate: See, there was no reason to panic!
OK, well, the Dodgers are fine. If you overreacted, then you are the opposite of the media. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at their previous week, the big wins and what the next roadtrip looks like.
Dodgers Debate: Now is it time to panic?
The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t really hitting. Starting pitching isn’t performing lights-out. It’s May, but is it over for the season? Are fans right to be panicking? IS THE SKY FALLING? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson step back to see where the team is, where they were last year around this time and what steps they are taking to prevent fan
Dodgers Debate: Which pitcher goes to OKC first?
Injuries happening, injuries healing. The Dodgers starting pitching situation is, like usual, complicated and messy. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at the injuries, who is coming back, who isn’t working out and which pitchers might be sent down to the minors when everyone is healthy.
Dodgers Debate: Who is the MVP of the season so far?
It’s been a big few weeks for the Dodgers. Edwin Diaz went on the IL (and Bill Plaschke is vindicated.) And is Dalton Rushing a bully or MVP or both? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson determine which one.
Dodgers Debate: Pitching troubles already?
The Dodgers are the best team in baseball, but the pitching is looking a little shaky. Should Roki Sasaki go to the bullpen? Is Edwin Diaz in trouble? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson break it all down.
Dodgers Debate: Taking advantage of bad baseball
The Dodgers are looking pretty good! But, it’s not necessarily against good teams. And Hello Kitty? WATCH BASEBALL. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson talk about bobbleheads, bullpen and age concerns on the team.
Dodgers Debate: LET'S PANIC! Or let's wait for that?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are not undefeated. Players aren’t hitting well. The 2026 season is already lost! Not really. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson talk about the team’s slow start, dead bats and trumpet controversy.
Dodgers Debate: The road to a three-peat
The Los Angeles Dodgers start the 2026 MLB season as the favorites to win the World Series. Again. But can they three-peat? Or will pressure, age and injuries finally take them down? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson break down what happened in Spring Training and what the team is facing at the start of the season.
Where do the Dodgers go from here? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers are bcak-to-back champions. They want to in a third in a row, but need to fix a few things. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke talk about what the team needs to do to fix the roster and pitching before the 2026 season starts.
Dodgers win the World Series, cementing their dynasty | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in 11 innings in Game 7 to become the first back-to-back World Series champions in 25 years. Miguel Rojas tied the game with a ninth-inning home run, and Will Smith’s 11th-inning home run provided the go-ahead run in a dramatic comeback. Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched multiple innings, including the final three outs, despite throwing 96 pitches the night
World Series Game 5: Dodgers fall, on brink of losing the World Series | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers’ offense disappears again. It’s a tale as old as time (or, the second half of the 2025 season.) Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke talk about the team being one game away from losing the World Series and if they can pull out two wins in a row.
Dodgers struggle in World Series Game 4 loss to Blue Jays | Dodgers Debate
The Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6-2 in Game 4, tying the World Series at 2-2 heading into Game 5 on Wednesday. A four-run seventh-inning rally against the Dodgers’ fatigued and faulty bullpen proved to be the difference. The Dodgers’ slumping offense, which has just three runs over the last 21 innings, remains a critical concern. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dyl
World Series Game 3: Freddie Freeman, World Series hero again as Dodgers win Game 3 | Dodgers Debate
Another historical World Series Game 3 going 18 innings, another walk-off home run to win it for the Dodgers. This time, from Freddie Freeman. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke talk through their exhaustion about the win and how Game 4 is going to be affected.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitches a masterclass, Dodgers win World Series Game 2 | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers, behind the pitching performance and complete game of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, won World Series Game 3 5-1. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez talk about the amazing pitching performance and how Hernandez called it and everyone should respect him now (so he thinks.)
Dodgers get humbled, lose World Series Game 1 | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers came into the World Series as the favorites, but were completely dominated in Game 1 by the Toronto Blue Jays, losing 11-4. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez talk about what went wrong.
World Series preview: Are the Dodgers actually the favorites? | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the World Series to face the Toronto Blue Jays. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke wonder if the Dodgers sweep and if anything can stop America's team.
Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented performance lifts Dodgers back into the World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers and are now heading to their second-straight World Series. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke discuss the amazing Ohtani performance and if they think this team will win it all.
Dodgers bullpen shows up, brings team one win from the World Series | Dodgers Debate
Tyler Glasnow made it nearly 6 innings, but the much beleaguered Dodgers bullpen showed up in a big way, delivering a win in NLCS Game 3. The Dodgers are now one win from a second World Series in a row. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke break it all down.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a complete game to NLCS Game 2 | Dodgers Debate
Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws the Dodgers’ first postseason complete game since 2004, giving up three hits in a dominant 5-1 Game 2 victory. The defending champions take a commanding 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series with their first stress-free playoff win.Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez talk about where the series goes from here (hin
Dodgers win a nail-biter in NLCS Game 1 | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers won Game 1 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1 behind an amazing Blake Smell performance and despite a one-in-a-million, 400-foot double-play against them, Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez on what the Dodgers need to do to keep rolling and avoid the bullpen.
NLCS preview: The Dodgers meet the brewers | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers will play the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris, columnist Dylan’s Hernandez and old Dodgers beat writer Andy McCullough comes back home to the L.A. Times to guest star on this episode, and call Dylan out for his lies.
Dodgers defeat Phillies in a wild, instant-classic walk-off to reach the NLCS | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the NLCS after beating the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke talk about the wild game and where they hope to be traveling to in the next round.
Dodgers are crushed in NLDS Game 3 as bats disappear | Dodgers Debate
Well, no NLDS sweep for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they lose Game 3 8-2. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke look at what went wrong, from bad pitching to dead bats.
Dodgers take NLDS Game 2 and are on the verge of the NLCS | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers, behind a shutout performance from Blake Snell and a sake from Roki Sasaki, win NLDS Game 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez talk about how big of a win this was and wonder, is the series over?
NLDS Game 1: Dodgers steal home field advantage
The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 in NLDS Game 1 behind a good, but not great, Shohei Ohtani start and some powerful at bats from Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez discuss how this affects the series, the loudness of Phillies fans and what Game 2 has in store.
NLDS Preview: Can the Dodgers’ pitchers show up against the Phillies’ big hitters?
The Los Angeles Dodgers meet the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS in what might be the best series this MLB postseason. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez look at the Dodgers’ pitching woes and how their plans stack up against a hot Phillies team.
The Dodgers advance to the NLDS, defeating the Reds | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers overcame a first-inning error by Teoscar Hernández and an early 2-0 deficit to beat Cincinnati 8-4 and sweep their NL wild-card series.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered 6⅔ strong innings while Kiké Hernández and Mookie Betts provided key hits.
The Dodgers will face the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists
Ohtani, Hernández, dominate. Dodgers bullpen, not so much | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers offense dominated the Cincinnati Reds 10-5 in Game 1 of the wild-card series. But, the Dodgers bullpen woes continue, making the game closer than it should have been. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke talk about Blake Snell’s amazing outing, Shohei Ohtani hitting two home runs, Teoscar Hernández hitting two h
Should Shohei Ohtani be pitching wild-card game 1? | Dodgers Debate
Los The 2025 MLB postseason begins with the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Cincinnati Reds in the wild-card round. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Dylan’s Hernandez break down what the Dodgers need to do to move on the face the Philadelphia Phillies in the division series.
Dodgers are NL West Champs! Never doubted (so much doubt) | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers are NL West champions and no one ever doubted that would happen! Just kidding, it’s been a rough second half of the season. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke talk about what this win means, why the team doesn’t seem very happy about it and how they can use this frustration to get through October.
Is Clayton Kershaw the greatest Dodger ever? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers pitching legend, Clayton Kershaw, is retiring at the end of the 2025 season. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke explore his legacy and what he might do once his days as a player are over.
Dodgers playoff closer Clayton Kershaw? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers are going to make the playoffs, but will be required to play in the Wild Card round. Most likely. Anything can happen! But who will pitch when the starters are done? Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke have some thoughts. Some controversial thoughts.
Dodgers are looking good, but is it a mirage? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers are back! Well, maybe? They’ve looked good, but against… the Rockies. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke on if the team actually has turned a corner or if dark days lie ahead.
Does anyone want to win the NL West? | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers might still the NL West, but it’s more like the San Diego Padres are going to lose it instead of taking it over, easily, as the Dodgers continue to slide. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke talk about what is wrong with the team and if they can actually turn up in the playoffs in less than a month.
Who are the Dodgers playoff pitchers? | Dodgers Debate
Okay, so, the Dodgers are probably making the playoffs. And their pitching is healing up. But, now there might be too many options. Who is starting Game 1 of the playoffs? Who is moved to the bullpen? Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke have a heated debate over two specific pitchers.
Dodgers back in first (and, no, not moving Mookie Betts to right field) | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers are back on top of the NL West! Barely. But the Mookie Betts playing safe is the the season-long debate that won’t end. But the Dodgers are trying. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke give you their opinion, which is correct even though they disagree with each other.
Well, This season isn't going as planned | Dodgers Debate
Dodgers are second in the NL West. They look … pretty bad. Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke discuss what’s happening and if there is hope this team can turn it around.
Do you believe in Mookie? Or this Dodgers team? | Dodgers Debate
Mookie Betts is back? Maybe? Tyler Glasnow is back? Maybe? But the Dodgers might lose the division? Maybe? So many questions and Los Angeles Times Dodger beat writer Jack Harris and columnists Dylan’s Hernandez and Bill Plaschke are here to answer them.
Dodgers betting their current players start performing | Dodgers Debate
So… not a very splashy trade deadline performance by the Dodgers. But, was it by design? Our team breaks it down. Oh, and Plaschke talks about working without a shirt on.
How aggressive do the Dodgers need to be at the trade deadline? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers are… not where anyone thought they would be. Still first in the NL West, but not with a huge lead. Star players slumping. A bullpen struggling. What do they need to do with the upcoming trade deadline? Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández pinpoint what moves need to be made to make sure the team, at the very least, makes it to the post
Dodgers second half, here we come! | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers ended the first half a little down. Do they come out in the second half swinging and hitting and pitching the way everyone thinks they should? Or is this the beginning of the end? Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández look at the road ahead.
The Dodgers need a break, and a lot of help | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers’ bats are gone. The pitching is getting sort of better, but it’s not great. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández talk about how the All-Star break could help the team when nothing is looking exactly positive right now.
Kershaw gets 3000, Muncy’s injury could be huge
It was a big night for the Dodgers across the emotional spectrum asClayton Kershaw threw his 3,000th career strikeout and Max Muncy might be lost for the season with a knee injury. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández go over what moves the Dodgers could make to replace Muncy and what Kershaw’s accomplishments mean to the team.
Is Ohtani going to be ready to pitch this postseason? | Dodgers Debate
There’s been A LOT of Dodger baseball these past two weeks and Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández do their best to talk about all of it in this episode. Also, which reporter would win in a fight?
When Dodger baseball meets L.A. reality | Dodgers Debate
Department of Homeland Security vehicles with masked agents were stationed Thursday morning outside Dodger Stadium, in another sign of the raids sweeping Southern California.It is unclear what operation the federal agents were carrying out or whether anyone in the area was arrested. Images of the government vehicles immediately played out on social media and fueled speculation about their activiti
Dodgers comments? Only positive vibes! | Dodgers Debate
Hey, y’all. Are you tired of the negative Los Angeles Times crew? Well, get ready for only positivity! For, maybe 2 minutes. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández look at the upcoming schedule, debate the pros and cons of punting a game and share “heartwarming” sports stories about their fathers.
Do you believe in these Dodger players still? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers might have one of the best records in baseball, but they aren’t looking like one of the best teams. Between injuries and slumps, it’s looking dicey as we get under 100 games to go. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández look at which players they still believe will help the team, and which need to go.
Is this season going off the rails soon? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers have a huge homestand coming up against both New York juggernauts: the Yankees and Mets. Could this be the breaking point for the team? Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández look at the week ahead with trepidation.
Are the Dodgers... imposters? | Dodgers Debate
Are the Dodgers going to be out of playoff contention within the week? Are they imposters? Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández look at the upcoming games and the concerns the team must be having right now.
Who is the next Dodger to go? | Dodgers Debate
Austin Barnes is gone. Chris Taylor is next? Max Muncy? Or another injured pitcher? Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández look at the roster and how the Dodgers are trying to adapt to a long season and prepare for the postseason.
Are the Dodgers in a glass half full situation or glass half empty?
The Dodgers look good. But also bad? Fine? Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández wonder if the team is on the right track or heading to disaster. Which way do you think?
Dodgers have injured pitchers? What else is new? | Dodgers Debate
The Los Angeles Dodgers actually have one of the best records in baseball but no one seems to be too thrilled by it. Injuries, question marks and hitters not hitting are issues. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández talk about how the team is performing well, but possibly hurting themselves in October.
Will the Dodgers lock in soon? | Dodgers Debate
The 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers are good, but not playing like anyone expected them to. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández discuss what is going on with the hitters, pitchers and why they're sort of... boring?
Pitching help on the way, improved bats, too? | Dodgers Debate
The Dodgers had a bit of a slump, but a sweep of the Colorado Rockies might have pulled them out. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnist Dylan Hernández discuss where the team’s pitching woes are, how they might improve soon and also, which Dodgers Debate reporter is most stylish? Cast your votes in the comments!
Some concern for the Dodgers already?
The Dodgers had a not-so-great road trip where they were nearly swept by the Nationals. Oh, and they met President Trump. Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Harris and columnist Dylan Hernández discuss the issues and if there is cause for concern already.
Are the Dodgers hungrier than last year?
The Dodgers have not lost a game in 2025 so far, yet they haven’t played their best baseball. Los Angeles Times beat writer Jack Harris and columnist Bill Plaschke talk about the first week of baseball, what the team needs to do to continue its success, if Roki Sasaki will be all right and if this team truly is hungrier for a World Series title than the 2024 team.
Wins, White House and World Series bound again?
The Los Angeles Dodgers win their domestic home opener to begin the season 3-0. Los Angeles Times beat reporter Jack Harris and columnists Bill Plaschke and Dylan Hernández sit down to talk about the game, the season, the not-at-all-hot-button issue of visiting the White House and all of them wonder how many wins the Dodgers need for Dylan not to trash the team.
Introducing: Dodgers Debate
By popular demand, the hit L.A. Times Sports video series is now a podcast! Join hosts Bill Plaschke, Jack Harris and Dylan Hernández for baseball banter, expert analysis — and tons of hot takes. They’ll laugh, bump heads and talk current-season predictions and Dodgers history.
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