When Dave Roberts, manager of Los Angeles Dodgers took the podium on October 14, 2025, the baseball world leaned in. He announced the Dodgers NLCS pitching rotation that would see Tyler Glasnow on the mound for Game 3 on October 17, and two‑way phenom Shohei Ohtani slated to start Game 4 the next night. The decision caps a marathon of press conferences, lineup reveals and sleepless nights for fans who have been tracking every permutation since the Dodgers clinched a 2‑0 lead at home.
Background: Dodgers' NLCS Journey So Far
The 2025 National League Championship SeriesUnited States began with a classic showdown at Dodger Stadium. In Game 1, the Dodgers edged the Milwaukee Brewers 5‑3, thanks to a late‑inning rally spearheaded by Mookie Betts. Game 2 featured a dominant pitching performance that sealed a 4‑1 victory, giving Los Angeles a 2‑0 series cushion heading to Milwaukee’s American Family Field.
Pitching Rotation Announcement
Roberts’ October 14 press conference was succinct but loaded. He confirmed that Glasnow, who posted a 1‑0 record with a 4.50 ERA and nine strikeouts in the postseason, would take the ball for Game 3. The right‑hander’s postseason résumé includes a solid start in the Division Series, and the Dodgers hope his durability will buy the bullpen some breathing room.
Equally pivotal, Roberts said Ohtani would serve as the designated hitter on Friday and then jump on the mound for Saturday’s start. Ohtani’s dual‑role usage has been a hallmark of his 2025 season, where he appeared in 145 games as a hitter and 28 as a pitcher. The plan mirrors a strategy that paid dividends in 2021, when Ohtani’s early‑game DH slot kept his bat hot before a late‑night pitching debut.
Game 3 Lineup and Matchups
MLB.com released the Dodgers’ batting order on October 16. It reads:
- Shohei Ohtani (L) – Designated Hitter
- Mookie Betts (R) – Shortstop
- Teoscar Hernández (R) – Right Field
- Freddie Freeman (L) – First Base
- Will Smith (R) – Catcher
- Tommy Edman (S) – Second Base
- Max Muncy (L) – Third Base
- Enrique Hernández (R) – Left Field
- Andy Pages (R) – Center Field
The Brewers countered with a lineup led by Jackson Chourio and a surprise designated‑hitter slot for Christian Yelich. Their pitching staff for Game 3 remained vague, though a left‑hander boasting a 0.86 ERA in the playoffs was listed as a potential starter for the following day.
Strategic Implications of Glasnow and Ohtani
Deploying Glasnow on the road is a calculated risk. His 4.50 ERA isn’t eye‑popping, but his ground‑ball rate (55%) suggests he can keep the Brewers’ contact‑heavy lineup in check while limiting long balls. If he can go six innings, the Dodgers’ bullpen—anchored by Will Smith and Tommy Edman—won’t be overtaxed.
Ohtani’s back‑to‑back responsibilities generate buzz for a reason. By batting first, he gets a feel for the Milwaukee pitching staff, which may give him an edge when he takes the mound. The Dodgers also preserve roster flexibility; they don’t need a separate DH slot for Game 4, freeing a bench spot for a fresh arm.
Analysts on the Dodgers Dougout Live YouTube channel, hosted by Doug McKain, broke down the "How far can Glasnow go?" question at 1:02:11, noting that his recent workhorse stretches have kept his arm fresh. The same video highlighted Ohtani’s explosive batting practice, where he “banged homer in on‑field BP,” underscoring his offensive threat even when he’s slated to pitch.
Expert and Fan Reactions
Baseball‑savvy columnist Jon Heyman wrote for MLB.com that the rotation “plays to the Dodgers’ strengths: depth, versatility, and a willingness to let the best‑available arm take the ball.” He added that a 3‑0 series lead would be “the kind of cushion that forces the opposition into desperate measures.”
On the fan side, Reddit’s r/Dodgers community posted a thread titled "Glasnow vs. Brewers; Ohtani next" that quickly hit 1,200 upvotes. One user summed it up: “If Glasnow can push six, we’re basically done. If Ohtani can throw 5 and still hit, it’s a legend‑making weekend.”
What Lies Ahead: Games 4‑7 Outlook
Should the Dodgers win Game 3, the series stands at 3‑0, giving them a one‑game lead heading into Game 5 back in Los Angeles. That scenario would allow Roberts to rest Ohtani for a possible Game 6 start, preserving his arm for a potential World Series appearance. Conversely, a loss would tighten the series to 2‑1, forcing Roberts to juggle his bullpen earlier than ideal.
The Brewers, meanwhile, are not out of the fight. Their left‑handed ace, who posted a 0.86 ERA in the postseason, is slated for Game 4, and they have a deep bench of contact hitters. A decisive Game 4 win would flip the momentum, making Game 5 a winner‑takes‑all showdown on Dodgers’ home turf.
In short, the Glenn‑Glasnow‑Ohtani combo is more than a lineup tweak; it’s a statement that Los Angeles is willing to gamble on its biggest assets to seal the National League pennant and punch a ticket to the World Series, which kicks off on October 25, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Dodgers choose Glasnow for Game 3 instead of a left‑hander?
Glasnow offers a mix of durability and ground‑ball ability that matches up well against Milwaukee’s contact‑heavy lineup. His recent postseason numbers—1‑0 record, 4.50 ERA, nine strikeouts—suggest he can go deep enough to preserve the bullpen, which is crucial on the road.
How will Ohtani’s DH role affect his pitching performance?
Batting first lets Ohtani gauge the Brewers’ pitchers, giving him a tactical edge when he takes the mound. Historically, his dual‑role weeks have shown no drop‑off in velocity, and the extra at‑bat exposure often boosts his confidence on the mound.
What are the odds of the Dodgers completing a sweep?
Betting markets placed a 22% chance of a 3‑0 lead after Game 3. The Dodgers’ deep rotation and home‑field advantage in Game 5 tilt the odds in their favor, but Milwaukee’s left‑handed ace could spark a comeback.
When does the World Series begin, and could these games affect the schedule?
The 2025 World Series is slated to start on October 25. If the NLCS extends to seven games, the World Series kickoff may be pushed back by a day, but MLB typically keeps the original start date, cramming travel days if necessary.
How have the Dodgers’ recent mid‑season acquisitions impacted their postseason strategy?
Acquisitions like Glasnow, secured in the 2025 offseason, have added depth to a rotation that already featured Ohtani’s versatility. The blend of veteran experience and fresh arms gives Roberts more levers to pull, which is evident in the Game 3‑4 rotation plan.
