Dodgers vs. Reds NL Wild Card Series Preview

The 2025 NL Wild Card Series pits the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers against the upstart Cincinnati Reds in a best-of-three showdown at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, winners of the NL West with 93 victories, enter the postseason with star power and experience, but without a first-round bye due to finishing behind the Brewers and Phillies. Their lineup is headlined by Shohei Ohtani, who delivered a historic two-way season with 55 home runs and a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts. He’s slated to pitch Game 3 if necessary, following Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the rotation.

The Reds, who clinched the final playoff spot on the season’s last day, arrive with just 83 wins – the fewest of any playoff team since 2006. Despite dropping five of six regular-season games to the Dodgers, Cincinnati’s strength lies in its young rotation. Hunter Greene, with a 2.76 ERA and electric fastball, starts Game 1, followed by Andrew Abbott and potentially Nick Lodolo. Offensively, the Reds lack firepower, ranking 24th in wRC+ and hitting only 167 home runs. Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer lead the team in long balls, but their production pales in comparison to L.A.’s lineup.

The Dodgers’ bullpen remains a concern, with a 4.00 ERA and inconsistent late-inning options. Injuries have plagued them all year, and catcher Will Smith’s status is uncertain due to a hand fracture. Still, the Dodgers boast depth and October experience, while manager Dave Roberts looks to guide them past a dangerous underdog. Former Phillies skipper Terry Francona, in his first year with Cincinnati, has instilled resilience and tactical savvy.

In a short series, momentum and pitching matchups loom large. If Greene can steal Game 1, the Reds could flip the narrative. But the Dodgers’ talent edge and home-field advantage make them clear favorites to advance and face the Phillies in the NLDS.

Dodgers vs. Phillies 2025 Season Series Review

The Dodgers and Phillies met six times during the 2025 regular season, with the Phillies winning the series 4-2 in a tightly contested matchup between two of the National League’s elite. Both teams finished with over 90 wins and showcased postseason-caliber rosters, making their head-to-head battles a potential preview of October drama.

Back in April the Dodgers came to Philadelphia with the Phillies winning two of three at Citizens Bank Park. Nick Castellanos Harper starred with a pair of hits, a run scored, and an RBI in the series opener with Jesus Luzardo outdueling Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a marquee pitching matchup, striking out eight over seven innings. The Dodgers responded in Game 2 with a 3-1 win with Max Muncy picking up three hits as Aaron Nola took the loss, pitching six innings and allowing three runs. In the third game, Castellanos launched a grand slam as the Phillies jumped on Tyler Glasnow for five earned runs in two innings.

Earlier this month, the Phillies went to L.A. and took two of three, winning the opener in 10 innings on a J.T. Realmuto sacrifice fly in the 10th. Game 2 also went to the Phils with Cristopher Sanchez matched up against Ohtani, but neither starter figured in the decision. The Phillies won a 9-6 slugfest with Brandon Marsh, Max Kepler, and Rafael Marchan all homering. The Dodgers shut out the Phillies in the finale with Blake Snell striking out 12 in seven innings.

The season series was marked by playoff-like intensity, with both teams showcasing elite defense, aggressive baserunning, and deep lineups. The Phillies’ bullpen, anchored by José Alvarado and Matt Strahm, held firm in high-leverage spots, while the Dodgers’ relief corps showed vulnerability, particularly in late innings.

Overall, the season series highlighted the contrast in styles: the Dodgers leaned on star power and versatility, while the Phillies thrived on grit, pitching depth, and clutch hitting. Should they meet again in the postseason, the margins will be razor-thin, and the outcome may hinge on bullpen execution and managerial decisions.

Reds vs. Phillies 2025 Season Series Review

The Reds and Phillies squared off six times in 2025, and split the season series. The Phillies’ superior pitching, lineup depth, and late-game execution helped them to win their games, though the Reds showed flashes of competitiveness and were able to get to a pair of key Phillies starters early.

The two teams didn’t meet until Cincinnati came to Philadelphia on the Fourth of July. Luzardo allowed six runs – five earned – in just two innings as the Reds took the first game. The Phillies came back to win the next two with Schwarber, Bohm, and Edmundo Sosa homering in game two. The finale went to the Phillies with Bryson Stott hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Phillies a 3-1 win. Zack Wheeler didn’t need any help on the mound as he struck out 12 hitters in a complete game win.

In their August rematch series at Great American Ball Park, the Phillies won just the opener of the three game series. Taijuan Walker outdueled Abbott with the Phillies getting six innings of one-run ball from Walker. Starters Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez both struggled in their starts with Cincinnati winning 6-1 and 8-0.

The season series revealed Cincinnati’s reliance on starting pitching, but also exposed their lack of consistent offensive production. The Reds hit just .218 against Phillies pitching and were outscored 32-19 overall. Philadelphia’s bullpen was particularly effective, allowing only two earned runs in 18 innings across the six games.

If these teams are to meet in October, the Reds would need near-perfect execution and standout performances from Greene, Abbott, and Elly De La Cruz to keep pace with Philadelphia’s firepower.