Dodgers Poised for Three-Peat After Blue Jays Suffer Rash of Injuries

Injuries to key Blue Jays players bolster Dodgers' World Series odds heading into spring training.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up to try and match the New York Yankees' feat of three consecutive World Series championships, with the Toronto Blue Jays - their 2025 Fall Classic foe - facing a major setback after a slew of injuries to key players like Bowden Francis, Anthony Santander, and Shane Bieber. The Dodgers now stand as resounding World Series favorites with 28.1% odds, while the Blue Jays' championship aspirations have taken a significant hit.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' quest for a three-peat has been bolstered by the Blue Jays' misfortunes, as the American League contender now faces an uphill battle to defend their pennant. This development widens the talent gap between the Dodgers and the rest of the league, making Los Angeles an even more formidable opponent in their pursuit of history.

The details

The Blue Jays will be without starting pitcher Bowden Francis, who is undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season. They also lost outfielder Anthony Santander, who will undergo left labral surgery and be sidelined for 5-6 months, as well as ace Shane Bieber, whose ramp-up to the season has been delayed due to forearm fatigue. These injuries significantly weaken the Blue Jays' roster and their chances of returning to the World Series.

  • The Dodgers won the 2025 World Series.
  • The Blue Jays will face the Dodgers in a 3-game series from April 6-8, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles Dodgers

The reigning 2025 World Series champions, who are poised to make a run at a three-peat.

Toronto Blue Jays

The American League contender who faced the Dodgers in the 2025 World Series and are now dealing with a rash of injuries to key players.

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What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their dominance in the 2026 season as they chase a historic three-peat, while the Blue Jays will need to navigate the early-season injuries and try to rebound in the competitive AL East.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' quest for a three-peat has been bolstered by the Blue Jays' misfortunes, as Los Angeles now stands as the clear World Series favorite heading into spring training. This development highlights the Dodgers' sustained excellence and the challenges facing their competitors in the quest to dethrone the reigning champions.