The Los Angeles Dodgers set up what could be an epic NLDS matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies with their wild-card round sweep of the Cincinnati Reds.
The Dodgers and Phillies have represented the National League in three of the last five World Series. They’ve been two of the most consistent franchises in that span, and in 2025, they possess some of the biggest superstars in the sport.
For as often as both teams have been in the postseason lately, the NLDS meeting is the first time the Dodgers and Phillies square off in the playoffs since the 2009 NLCS.
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Los Angeles Dodgers (-130; bet $130 to win $100)
Philadelphia (+110; bet $100 to win $110)
The Dodgers enter the NLDS off a two-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds.
Los Angeles scored 18 runs in the series, and most importantly, it saved Shohei Ohtani’s arm for the series opener in Philadelphia. Roberts confirmed after Wednesday’s game that Ohtani would start Game 1.
The Dodgers threw Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Games 1 and 2, but with how the NLDS schedule breaks, both hurlers can pitch on regular rest early in the series.
Ohtani was a huge part of the Dodgers’ wild-card success at the plate. He had two home runs, as did Teoscar Hernandez, in the opener against the Reds. Mookie Betts had four hits in the series-clinching Game 2.
The Phillies won the NL East with the second-best record in the majors. They were incredibly successful at Citizens Bank Park, where they posted a 55-26 record.
The best home record in the majors should translate to the postseason, which is one of the many reasons why the Phillies are projected by many to make a deep run in October.
Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner can match what the Dodgers’ big bats produce at the top of the order. Schwarber is coming off an incredible power season, but Harper is the player to watch in the Phillies order.
Harper owns a .280 postseason average and hit six playoff home runs in the last two seasons.
Philadelphia’s pitching staff may not have the stars, like the Dodgers, but Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez have been as effective as any starters in 2025.
Sanchez, the Game 1 starter, owns a 1.94 ERA at home. He should be a tone-setter for the Phillies in Saturday’s opener.
The Dodgers have all the star power in the lineup and rotation, but their bullpen comes into the NLDS as the unit with the most concerns.
Los Angeles gave up seven runs in the final three innings against the Reds. It still won those games, but the mid-to-late innings might be rough for the Dodgers.
In a series where the margins could be extremely thin, the Dodgers’ relievers might be the reason they lose.
Conversely, Philadelphia has a strong bullpen, led by close Jhoan Duran, that can do the exact opposite of what the Dodgers did over the last two nights.
The Dodgers certainly have the bats to make up for any pitching deficiencies, but going into the series, the Phillies own the overall edge in pitching in a matchup where the lineups are even.
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