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Philadelphia (0-2) at LA Dodgers (2-0)
- When: Oct 8 2025, 9:08 PM
- Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Where to watch: TBS
Philadelphia vs LA Dodgers MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: LA Dodgers -182
Spread: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+120)
Total: 7.5
Los Angeles Dodgers Outlook
The Dodgers return home to Chavez Ravine with a commanding 2–0 lead and a chance to close out the series in front of their fans. Even with some flaws showing especially in the bullpen, Los Angeles has been the more composed, opportunistic team so far.
Manager Dave Roberts’ unconventional pitching strategy has worked like a charm, using multiple starters per game to patch over a shaky relief corps. The Dodgers’ bullpen carried a 5.26 ERA in September and a near 7.00 mark in the postseason, but the rotation’s depth has masked those issues. Expect that trend to continue in Game 3, as Los Angeles turns to ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto to finish the job.
Yamamoto has been lights-out in October, tossing 6⅔ scoreless innings in his last start against Cincinnati. The Japanese right-hander went 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA during the regular season and dominated opponents with pinpoint command and elite movement. His lone career start versus the Phillies saw him allow zero earned runs through six innings, showcasing just how tough he can be when locked in.
Offensively, the Dodgers’ late-game execution has been lethal. From Freddie Freeman’s clutch at-bats to Mookie Betts’ plate discipline, this lineup grinds pitchers into submission. If they can build an early lead, their starters may once again carry the bulk of the workload.
Dodgers Player Prop Pick: Freddie Freeman Over 1.5 Total Bases — Freeman has been seeing the ball extremely well and tends to thrive against pitchers with Nola’s arsenal.
Philadelphia Phillies Outlook
The Phillies are on the brink, down 0–2 and heading into hostile territory against one of baseball’s most complete teams. Despite solid starting pitching through the first two games, Philadelphia’s offense has gone quiet at the worst time. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the heart of the lineup are a combined 1-for-14 with eight strikeouts, and the lack of long balls (just one homer all series) has made it difficult to generate momentum.
The good news? Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola takes the ball for Game 3. The bad news? His 2024 campaign was the roughest of his career, finishing 5–10 with a 6.01 ERA while battling through injuries. Still, his postseason experience and familiarity with Dodger Stadium (3.76 ERA in four career starts) offer some hope.
Nola will need to be sharp, because Los Angeles punishes mistakes — especially at home. Manager Rob Thomson could use Ranger Suárez in long relief if Nola struggles early. On the offensive side, Philadelphia needs Harper or Schwarber to finally break through, as their lineup has produced just five runs in the series.
Adding some flair, the Phillies will don their beloved powder blue throwbacks a superstitious touch to change their luck. If the bats wake up and Nola steadies early, they could flip the script.
Phillies Player Prop Pick: Bryce Harper Over 0.5 RBIs — Harper thrives in elimination spots and should see RBI chances if the top of the order finally reaches base.
Expert Prediction & Betting Outlook
The Phillies are desperate, but desperation alone might not be enough against a rested ace and a Dodgers lineup firing on all cylinders. Expect a fight early, but Los Angeles’ superior depth and home-field edge should be the difference.
Score Prediction: Dodgers 5, Phillies 3
Pick: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+120)
Total: Over 7.5 (-116)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
