The 2025 NLDS isn’t just a postseason checkpoint—it’s a collision of legacy architectures and momentum-fueled volatility. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies arrive with divergent blueprints but converging ambitions, each armed with elite pitching, lineup depth, and psychological leverage.
This series will be decided not by star power alone, but by pitch sequencing, bullpen deployment, and the ability to suppress early-inning chaos.
Legacy Vs. Momentum
Dodgers (93–69): NL West champions, architected around Yamamoto, Snell, and a bullpen now weaponized by Roki Sasaki’s late-inning velocity.
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Phillies (96–66): NL East champions, powered by Kyle Schwarber’s 56 HR and 132 RBI, and stabilized by Trea Turner’s .304 AVG and elite baserunning. Their bullpen ranks top-10 in ERA (3.79), built for matchup leverage.
Format & Venue
Games 1 & 2: Citizens Bank Park (Oct 4 & 6)
Games 3 & 4: Dodger Stadium (Oct 8 & 9)
Game 5: Back in Philly (Oct 11, if necessary)
Head-to-Head Analytics
Season Series: Phillies lead 4–2
April: Phillies took 2 of 3 at home, including an 8–7 slugfest
September: The Phillies won 2 of 3 in LA, scoring 15 runs across two games
Run Differential: Phillies +6
Dodgers’ Wins: Anchored by elite pitching—Snell and Yamamoto combined for 12 IP and 2 ER
Offensive Volatility
Los Angeles Dodgers
Betts: .667 AVG in playoffs, 6 hits
Freeman & Muncy: Must adjust to high-velocity sequencing from Phillies’ bullpen
Philadelphia Phillies
Schwarber: 56 HR, 132 RBI—Dodgers must avoid middle-in zone
Turner: .304 AVG, elite zone coverage, and baserunning
Los Angeles Dodgers Takeaway
This series will hinge on pitch sequencing, bullpen leverage, and early-inning run suppression. The Dodgers must neutralize Schwarber and Turner while adjusting to Citizens Bank Park’s hitter-friendly dimensions. The Phillies must withstand LA’s elite starters and exploit late-inning bullpen matchups.
