The Los Angeles Dodgers rolled through the National League wild-card round, scoring 18 runs in a two-game sweep over the Cincinnati Reds. Now, they face a much tougher test as they open the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 1. Ohtani, who split time between pitching and hitting again this season, posted a 1-1 record with a 2.67 ERA. He will oppose Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez, who was one of baseball’s breakout stars in 2025, going 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 212 strikeouts.
Manager Dave Roberts made a few adjustments to his lineup from Wednesday’s win over Cincinnati. Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández will remain in the top four spots, while Tommy Edman replaces Miguel Rojas at second base. Kiké Hernández shifts from left field to third base, taking over for left-handed hitter Max Muncy against the lefty Sánchez.
Alex Call joins the lineup in left field, with Andy Pages patrolling center and Ben Rortvedt handling catching duties. Off the bench, Roberts will have Dalton Rushing, Hyeseong Kim, Muncy and James Dean available.
Catcher Will Smith is also on the roster, though he has not yet been cleared to return from injury. His inclusion suggests he may be available later in the five-game series.
As the NLDS begins, the Dodgers will rely on Ohtani’s two-way talent to set the tone as they look to steal Game 1 on the road at Citizens Bank Park.