Starting Pitching: Dodgers vs. Phillies

The 2025 postseason matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies features two of the most formidable starting rotations in baseball, each built with a distinct philosophy. The Dodgers lean heavily on star power and international talent, while the Phillies rely on depth, adaptability, and a mix of homegrown and acquired arms.

The Dodgers’ rotation is headlined by Shohei Ohtani, who has returned to full-time pitching duties after missing the mound in 2024 due to injury. Ohtani’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of dominant, with a sub-3.00 ERA, elite strikeout rates, and a WHIP hovering around 1.00. His fastball still touches 100 mph, and his splitter remains one of the most unhittable pitches in baseball. Behind him, the Dodgers boast Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose pinpoint control and deceptive delivery have made him a top-10 starter in the league. Yamamoto’s ERA sits in the low 3s, and his walk rate is among the best in baseball. Blake Snell, the 2023 Cy Young winner, rounds out the top three. Though his 2025 season has been slightly inconsistent, he remains a high-strikeout lefty who can dominate when his command is sharp.

The Phillies, meanwhile, have had to adjust after losing Zack Wheeler to injury late in the season. Cristopher Sanchez has stepped up as the Game 1 starter, a testament to his breakout year. Sanchez posted a sub-3.50 ERA with excellent ground ball rates and improved strikeout numbers. Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo follow, both left-handers capable of neutralizing power-heavy lineups. Suarez is a postseason-tested arm with a calm demeanor and elite command, while Luzardo brings electric stuff and a high-90s fastball. Aaron Nola, though inconsistent and battling injuries throughout the year, remains an option for long relief or a potential Game 4 start if needed.

In terms of sabermetrics, the Dodgers’ rotation leads in FIP and strikeout-to-walk ratio, thanks to Ohtani and Yamamoto’s elite peripherals. The Phillies, however, excel in ground ball percentage and soft contact rates, which could be crucial in keeping the Dodgers’ power hitters in check. The Dodgers starters have a higher average velocity and more swing-and-miss stuff, while the Phillies rely on pitch sequencing and location.

The key difference lies in durability and postseason experience. The Dodgers’ trio has logged more innings and faced tougher lineups throughout the season, while the Phillies’ rotation has been more volatile but resilient. Without Wheeler, the Phillies lack a true ace, but their left-handed depth could be a strategic advantage against the Dodgers’ lefty-heavy lineup.

Relief Pitching: Dodgers vs. Phillies

The bullpen comparison tilts in favor of the Phillies, especially in terms of reliability and late-inning execution. The Dodgers’ relief corps has been a source of concern throughout the season and into the postseason, particularly during their Wild Card series against the Reds, where they allowed five runs in just over four innings. Their closer situation has fluctuated, with Evan Phillips and Tanner Scott sharing duties. Phillips has elite stuff but has struggled with command, while Scott brings velocity but has been prone to walks.

The Phillies’ bullpen, on the other hand, has been a strength, especially since the addition of showman closer Jhoan Duran from the Twins at the trade deadline. The Phillies also added veteran reliever David Robertson to the bullpen who gives them some quality postseason experience. Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks have developed into strong left-handed relief options for manager Rob Thomson. Right-hander Orion Kerkering has been somewhat inconsistent but his overall numbers and his spectacular outing in the season finale give hope for the role he could play in the NLDS. The Phillies also have starters Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Walker Buehler as potential roster additions with one of them being the game four starter.

Sabermetrically, the Phillies bullpen ranks higher in ERA-, FIP-, and Win Probability Added (WPA). Their strikeout rates are solid, and their walk rates have improved over the second half of the season. The Dodgers bullpen, while featuring higher velocity arms, has struggled with inherited runners and late-inning control. Their bullpen ERA in September was among the worst of playoff teams, and their leverage index performance has been below average.

The Phillies also benefit from matchup versatility. With multiple left-handers and switch-pitching options, they can tailor their bullpen usage to neutralize key Dodgers bats like Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy. The Dodgers, by contrast, have fewer reliable left-handed options and may be forced to lean on right-handers in unfavorable matchups.

In terms of postseason experience, both teams have veterans, but the Phillies’ core has been through deep October runs in recent years. Thomson has shown a deft touch in bullpen management, often pulling starters early to maximize matchups. Dave Roberts, while experienced, has faced criticism for bullpen decisions in past postseasons.

Overall, the Phillies hold a clear edge in bullpen depth, reliability, and tactical flexibility. The Dodgers’ bullpen has the raw stuff to dominate, but their inconsistency and lack of defined roles could be a liability in a tight series.

Game 1 Starter Comparison: Shohei Ohtani vs. Cristopher Sanchez

Game 1 of the NLDS features a fascinating pitching duel between Shohei Ohtani and Cristopher Sanchez, two left-handers with vastly different profiles and career trajectories.

Ohtani, the two-way superstar, returned to pitching in 2025 after a year off due to elbow surgery. His season has been spectacular, with a 2.89 ERA, 11.7 K/9, and a WHIP of 0.98. His fastball averages 97–99 mph, complemented by a splitter that generates a whiff rate over 50 percent. He also throws a slider and curveball, mixing speeds and locations to keep hitters off balance. Ohtani’s pitch usage leans heavily on the splitter in two-strike counts, and his ability to tunnel pitches makes him nearly unhittable when ahead. His command has improved, and he’s shown the ability to pitch deep into games, often reaching the seventh inning with efficiency.

Sanchez, by contrast, is a breakout arm who has earned his spot through steady development. His 2025 regular season featured a 3.42 ERA, 8.9 K/9, and a ground ball rate near 60 percent. Sanchez relies on a sinker that sits around 93–95 mph, a changeup with excellent fade, and a slider that he uses sparingly but effectively. His pitch mix is designed to induce weak contact and grounders, and he excels at keeping the ball in the park. Sanchez’s command has been a revelation, walking fewer than two batters per nine innings, and his poise on the mound has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike.

In terms of sabermetrics, Ohtani’s FIP is significantly lower than Sanchez’s, reflecting his strikeout dominance. His pitching metrics rank among the top five in MLB. Sanchez, however, leads in GB% and has a better HR/9 rate, which could be crucial in a hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Ohtani’s xERA and xFIP suggest his performance is sustainable, while Sanchez’s metrics show slight over-performance, though not dramatically so.

The matchup also carries psychological weight. Ohtani is a global icon with postseason experience and the ability to change a game with both his arm and bat. Sanchez is a rising talent with less national attention but growing respect within the league. The Phillies will look to extend at-bats and force Ohtani into high pitch counts, while the Dodgers will aim to capitalize on any early nerves from Sanchez.

Ultimately, Game 1 sets the tone for the series. If Sanchez can keep the ball down and avoid hard contact, he gives the Phillies a chance to exploit the Dodgers’ shaky bullpen. If Ohtani dominates early and goes deep, the Dodgers can bypass their relief issues and take control. It’s a classic contrast of power versus finesse, superstar versus underdog, and it promises to be a compelling battle to open the series.