It’s been a long time since the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers faced each other in the postseason—16 years, to be exact. As two of the most formidable teams in the National League, their upcoming matchup in the National League Division Series is highly anticipated. With significant payrolls and a roster filled with stars, the stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable. Only one of these teams will advance, leaving the other to ponder what went wrong.
The recent history between these two teams adds another layer of intrigue. The Phillies recently celebrated a division title in the Dodgers’ clubhouse, and they boast a 9-3 record against Los Angeles since the start of the current season. However, past success in the regular season doesn’t guarantee victory in October. The Dodgers’ starters—Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Emmet Sheehan—shut out the Phillies in their last encounter, forcing both teams to rethink their strategies leading into this critical series.
Game Schedule
The series is set to unfold over five games, with the first game scheduled for Saturday at either 6:08 p.m. or 6:38 p.m. ET, followed by Game 2 on Monday, and Game 3 on Wednesday. Games 4 and 5, if necessary, will be held on Thursday and October 11, respectively.
Predictions for the Series
Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams reveals a closely matched contest. Many analysts are leaning toward the Phillies, predicting they will clinch the series in five games. This comes after they demonstrated resilience in a decisive Wild Card win. Despite the Dodgers showcasing impressive talent, their bullpen has shown vulnerabilities, whereas the Phillies have a clearer closing strategy. Given that bullpens play a critical role in playoff success, this edge could prove pivotal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Phillies are expected to employ a rotation of three left-handed pitchers: Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, and Ranger Suárez. This strategy is unconventional but effective, as these pitchers have limited right-handed hitters to an OPS below .700 this season. However, the Phillies’ reliance on Jhoan Duran as their closer raises concerns about the middle innings, where their setup men may falter.
Conversely, the Dodgers enter the series with a starting rotation that remains intact after the Wild Card Series. With Ohtani set to pitch in Game 1 and other aces like Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto ready to follow, they appear well-prepared. Nevertheless, their bullpen has faced challenges, particularly with the inconsistency of their relievers during the postseason.
Key Matchups to Watch
One of the most critical matchups will be between the Phillies’ hitters and the Dodgers’ splitters. The Dodgers led the league in splitter usage in 2025, and the Phillies ranked sixth in weighted on-base average against this pitch. This dynamic could determine the outcome of key at-bats.
Furthermore, the performance of both teams against left-handed fastballs will be crucial. The Phillies excelled against lefty fastballs, ranking second in slugging percentage, while the Dodgers closely followed in fourth. The ability of each team to leverage their left-handed hitters could swing the series.
Individual Performers Who Could Make a Difference
For the Phillies, Bryce Harper is a player to watch. Although he did not have his best regular season, he has a history of elevating his game in the playoffs, boasting a .325 batting average in his last three postseasons. His ability to deliver in clutch moments could be a game-changer.
On the other side, Mookie Betts is the key player for the Dodgers. After a slow start to the season, Betts has regained his form, demonstrated by his strong performance during the Wild Card Series. The pressure on him to support Ohtani is immense, and his success could be crucial for the Dodgers’ hopes.
Comparative Analysis
When assessing both teams’ capabilities, some areas offer distinct advantages while others are more closely contested. The Phillies had the top regular-season starting rotation but suffered the loss of Zack Wheeler. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have seen their injured pitchers return, giving them depth in their rotation. The Phillies hold an edge in the bullpen, but the Dodgers are leveraging their starting depth to counteract this disadvantage.
Their defensive metrics are similar, sitting in the middle of the pack, while their hitters’ strikeout rates were nearly identical throughout the season. The Phillies’ superior in-zone contact rate may give them a slight upper hand in this gritty matchup.
In summary, both teams bring formidable strengths to the table. With star players, strategic pitching decisions, and the pressure of postseason stakes, this series promises to be a thrilling showcase of baseball talent and strategy. Fans will be on the edge of their seats as these two giants clash, each aiming for a shot at postseason glory.