The Dodgers begin their quest for their first World Series championship in a full-length season since 1988 by taking five days off. They did so last year as well, and the rest was less restorative than rust-causing when the San Diego Padres upset them in the National League Division Series.
The long break for the two top-seeded teams is a product of Major League Baseball increasing playoff qualifiers from four to six teams in each league. This year, the Atlanta Braves are the No. 1 seed in the National League and the Dodgers are No.