The Los Angeles Dodgers face a pivotal moment in the National League Division Series (NLDS) as they seek to secure their advancement against the Philadelphia Phillies. Scheduled for October 9, 2025, at 3:08 PM PT, the Dodgers will rely on pitcher Tyler Glasnow to deliver a strong performance in his first start of the postseason. The team needs a win to close out the series after suffering a disappointing defeat in Game 3.
Game 3 proved challenging for the Dodgers, who had hoped to sweep the Phillies at home. Instead, they fell short when Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggled through 4+ innings. The Dodgers’ offense failed to capitalize on opportunities against Phillies’ pitchers, notably Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez. Despite being only two runs down when Clayton Kershaw entered the seventh inning, he allowed four earned runs and one unearned run in the eighth, sealing the game for the Phillies. This situation was particularly painful for Dodgers’ fans, especially as Tanner Scott was absent from the stadium due to a personal issue, prompting questions about Kershaw’s extended outing.
With the series now 2-1 in favor of the Dodgers, the Phillies send their ace to the mound, hoping to force a Game 5 back in Philadelphia. The stakes are high as the Dodgers look to regain momentum.
Tyler Glasnow takes the mound for the Dodgers, having been available out of the bullpen during the Wild Card series but not appearing. He pitched in Game 1 of this series and recorded 1 2/3 scoreless innings, although he encountered difficulties in the eighth inning. His performance raised concerns, particularly as he carried an 11.7 percent walk rate, the highest since 2017. Despite his injuries limiting him to 18 starts this season, Glasnow achieved a solid 3.19 ERA and struck out 106 batters over 90 1/3 innings.
Glasnow’s previous start against the Phillies did not go well. He allowed a walk and a single in the first two innings before struggling in the third, walking the first three batters and conceding an RBI single. His performance was capped off by a grand slam hit by Nick Castellanos after he was replaced.
The Phillies counter with Cristopher Sanchez, who had a strong showing in Game 1, allowing only four baserunners through five innings. Sanchez faced challenges as the sixth inning approached, giving up walks and hits that ultimately led to his exit. His pitching style relies heavily on a sinker, changeup, and slider, which he effectively used to generate whiffs against the Dodgers.
In a lineup adjustment, the Dodgers will see Max Muncy sitting out today, with Enrique Hernandez starting at third base and Alex Call in left field. Will Smith continues as the starting catcher for the second consecutive game, while Harrison Bader remains absent from the Phillies’ roster.
The Dodgers have made a roster change as well, with Tanner Scott being removed due to an unexpected lower body issue that required a procedure. Justin Wrobleski has been added to the roster as his replacement, although Scott could potentially return if the Dodgers reach the World Series.
The first pitch is set for 3:08 PM PT and will be broadcast on TBS and HBO Max, marking a critical moment for both teams in this tightly contested series. The outcome will determine whether the Dodgers advance or the Phillies force a decisive game. Fans are eager to see if Glasnow can rise to the occasion and help lead his team to victory.
