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That's it: the Dodgers managed to beat the Reds in two short games, without worrying too much. Except perhaps for their bullpen…
So, starting Saturday, they've got a date with the Philadelphia Phillies in what promises to be a fascinating division series between two MLB powers.
These two teams are no strangers to divisional series. It's the fourth time in a row the Phillies have been at this stage of the series… and the 13th time in a row for the Dodgers. #Wow
Who will win? What are the forces at work?
The pitchers
Both teams will have good starting pitchers for the series. For the Dodgers, it will start with Shohei Ohtani, who will pitch for the first time in his career in the playoffs. He will be the first player in history to start a game as a hitter and one as a pitcher in the same series.
In Los Angeles, Shohei is not expected to be restricted in terms of pitching.
Will there be any limitations on Shohei Ohtani as a starter in Game 1 of the NLDS?
Andrew Friedman: “I just think he's a normal starting pitcher now. Kind of eased him along. Just a normal starting pitcher.”
– Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) October 2, 2025
The Nationals will be off on Sunday. Which means that on Monday, the Dodgers could decide to resume the rotation from the top, putting Blake Snell six days after his most recent start. Yoshinobu Yamamoto could pitch Game #3 on Wednesday.
Because the Dodgers have Sunday off in the Nationals, swept the Reds and didn't have to use Shohei Ohtani, they're in almost as good a position as if they'd had a bye. And the owner lined his pockets for two games this week.
The club could also use Tyler Glasnow, who is surely the #4 pitcher in the rotation. But if I were the Dodgers, I'd go with Ohtani, Snell and Yamamoto, just to keep one more weapon in the bullpen as long as possible.
Because, as we've seen over the past two months, the bullpen is very thin in L.A. It survived against the Reds because of the big advances… but the Phillies will be a whole different challenge.
The Phillies' rotation is also a strength, despite the loss of Zack Wheeler. Cristopher Sanchez will pitch the first game of the series, and the club is also counting on Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez, who had a good end to the season.
And if Aaron Nola can pitch like he did in his last start, the Phillies' rotation will be spot on. But he could be used in relief, given his ugly 2025 season.
This season has not gone how Aaron Nola wanted it to. But a strong performance in October could change the entire narrative.
Whatever Nola's role is in the postseason, Friday night was something to build off of:https://t.co/BIibfs5T4y
– Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) September 27, 2025
The Phillies haven't had the best of bullpens in 2025, but there are a few names to keep an eye on, including Tanner Banks, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering. These are the men to trust, ahead of the David Robertsons and Jose Alvarados of this world.
And of course, the Dodgers won't want to be trailing after eight innings. Johan Duran can single-handedly change everything.
Position players
On both sides, the offensive potential is there. J.T. Realmuto, Trea Turner, Harrison Bader, Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper and (obviously) Kyle Schwarber are the Phillies players to watch.
Will Bryce Harper go for his first ring in 2025?
On the other side, we also agree that this is a big forward. Freddie Freeman (who's healthy this year), Mookie Betts (who's back to his best) and Shohei Ohtani (who did well against the Reds)
Teoscar Hernandez, Max Muncy and Kiké Hernandez are the other players I'll be keeping an eye on. But don't underestimate this club's bench…
The managers
Rob Thomson is in his fourth year as Phillies manager. He made it to the World Series, then the Championship Series, then didn't win a single round in 2024. Will he do better this year?
As for Dave Roberts, his 2024 series allowed him to erase a bit of his reputation as a manager who makes ugly playoff decisions. Which Roberts will we get this year?
The imponderables
It's been a long time since the two teams met in the playoffs. The last time was in 2009. The Phillies made it to the World Series that year, but didn't win.
And in 2025, it's shaping up to be an incredible series. Especially with the Pennsylvania crowd…
The pressure will be on both teams. After all, the Phillies haven't performed up to their talent recently in the playoffs… and the Dodgers are the Dodgers. Both organizations need to win.
Who will come out on top? Watch this space.
This content was created with the help of AI.
