Reds vs Dodgers: setting the table for the series

Before the start of the current campaign, many wondered whether the Los Angeles Dodgers would break the record for most wins in a single season.

Things didn't go exactly to plan, however, and despite winning the National League's Western Section title, the California outfit must now face the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round.

The pitchers

For the first duel in this series, Hunter Greene will start for the Reds, while Blake Snell will do the same for the Dodgers.

Greene has continued to develop into one of Major League Baseball's top pitchers, not only improving his control, but also limiting the number of home runs he allows.

Snell, meanwhile, had to deal with injuries again this season, but was effective when healthy. As is usually the case with him, his control will determine how far he goes in the game

In the second game, it's Andrew Abbott and Yoshinobu Yamamoto who will take to the mound.

Abbott's emergence is one of the main reasons why the Reds are present at the fall dance. On the other hand, Yamamoto struggled in his first playoff appearance last season, allowing five points, but turned things around after that.

Should an ultimate game be necessary, Nick Lodolo would face Shohei Ohtani on the mound. Otherwise, these same pitchers would begin the Division Series for the team that advances to the next round.

It will be Blake Snell in Game 1
Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2
Shohei Ohtani in Game 3.
If Dodgers advance, and Ohtani doesn't pitch against the Reds, he will start Game 1 in the Division Series vs. Philadelphia.

– Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 29, 2025

The relief bullpen has been the Dodgers' biggest problem this year, as evidenced by the pitching corps' 4.00 earned run average.

Tanner Scott hasn't been up to the task, and several other arms are far from threatening. However, starters such as Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki could be sent up in relief, providing some depth in a bullpen that needs it.

Note that Clayton Kershaw will not be available during the series against the Reds.

Position players

Admittedly, Elly De La Cruz didn't have the season we'd all imagined, posting a .264 batting average with 21 fewer long balls and 30 fewer stolen bases than the previous campaign. But if the Reds are to have any chance of beating the Dodgers, it's going to come down to some larceny from their star player and solid play on defense.

In Los Angeles, the state of Will Smith's health is cause for concern, because if he were to continue to be kept out of the game, the catcher's position will become an Achilles heel.

For his part, Mookie Betts will have to perform like he did in September and not like he did at the start of the campaign and during certain playoff slumps in the past. There's no doubt he's capable of rising to the occasion, but he'll have to prove it once again.

For the rest, clear advantage on the offensive side of the ball for the Dodgers.

The managers

Dave Roberts finally dispelled any doubts about his ability to manage his team well in October, but once again he'll have to get his angles right if he hopes to take his game to the next level and go far this fall.

On the other hand, Terry Francona deserves a lot of credit for the way he managed his flock in 2025 and the fact that he got his players to play as a team to sneak into the playoffs. Tito has won in this league and could outcoach his opponent at times in this duel if he uses his legendary flair.

Imponderable

In a short best-of-three series, the danger is there for the favorite team.

The first duel of the series will be crucial, especially for Cincinnati. The Reds are solid enough on the mound to steal this first game, but that may not be enough to take the series.

The Dodgers are far too talented and experienced to be knocked out at the start after putting everything on the line all season long to repeat their 2025 exploits and win a second consecutive World Series.

All that remains now is to make it happen.

This content was created with the help of AI.