Dodgers on the Brink of Glory: Can Phillies Pull Off a Stunning Game 3 Comeback?
Journey Tribune – Three weeks ago, champagne was flying in the visitors’ clubhouse at Dodger Stadium as the Philadelphia Phillies celebrated their second straight division title. Now, they return to the same ballpark in a much different mood — fighting to keep their season alive.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, riding a wave of momentum and depth, hold a commanding 2-0 lead in this best-of-five National League Division Series. With one more win at home, they can punch their ticket to the NLCS and continue their pursuit of a second consecutive World Series crown.
For the Phillies, Wednesday night’s Game 3 is do-or-die. Their margin for error is gone, and they’ll need their biggest stars to finally deliver if they hope to extend this series beyond Los Angeles.
When and How to Watch
First pitch for Game 3 is scheduled for 9:08 p.m. ET / 6:08 p.m. PT and will air on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. The full postseason is available in the U.S. through MLB.TV with authentication from participating TV providers.
In Canada, Sportsnet carries all playoff games in English, while TVA Sports and RDS handle French-language coverage.
Pitching Matchup
Dodgers: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12–8, 2.49 ERA)
Los Angeles turns once again to its most consistent arm. After a stellar rookie campaign, Yamamoto has shown no signs of postseason nerves. In his Wild Card start against the Reds, he struck out nine across 6⅔ innings, allowing just two unearned runs. The Japanese right-hander has now allowed one earned run or fewer in consecutive playoff starts — the first Dodger to do so since Walker Buehler in 2020.
Yamamoto last faced the Phillies back in April, throwing six strong innings of one-run (unearned) ball. Since Opening Day in Tokyo, he’s been the anchor of a rotation that’s endured multiple injuries, proving to be the Dodgers’ steadiest presence every fifth day.
Phillies: RHP Aaron Nola (5–10, 6.01 ERA)
Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson surprised many by naming Aaron Nola as his Game 3 starter, opting to hold left-hander Ranger Suárez in reserve. “Nola’s never pitched out of the bullpen,” Thomson said Tuesday. “We’ll see how long he can go, but I trust him.”
It’s a bold move. Nola’s 2025 campaign has been rocky, marked by inconsistency and big innings that have haunted him all season. Expect Thomson to have a quick hook — Suárez is available out of the bullpen and could take over after one trip through the order if needed.
Projected Lineups
Dodgers
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Mookie Betts, SS
- Teoscar Hernández, RF
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Will Smith, C
- Kiké Hernández, LF
- Max Muncy, 3B
- Andy Pages, CF
- Tommy Edman, 2B
With a right-hander on the mound, manager Dave Roberts returns to a more balanced lineup. Catcher Will Smith makes his first postseason start despite a lingering hand fracture, while Max Muncy reenters the order after sitting out against two lefties in Philadelphia.
Phillies
- Trea Turner, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Bryce Harper, 1B
- Alec Bohm, 3B
- Brandon Marsh, CF
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Max Kepler, LF
- Nick Castellanos, RF
- Bryson Stott, 2B
With Harrison Bader still sidelined by a groin injury, Nick Castellanos gets the nod in right field despite recent struggles against right-handed pitching.
Bullpen Outlook
The Dodgers’ relief corps is fully rested after a travel day. Rookie Roki Sasaki has closed out both games in this series, though Roberts stopped short of officially naming him the team’s new closer. Veterans Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen remain available for setup duties.
For the Phillies, it’s an “all hands on deck” scenario. Suárez is expected to follow Nola, while flame-throwing closer Jhoan Duran could be asked for a multi-inning appearance if Philadelphia holds a late lead. Setup options Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering will handle high-leverage spots ahead of Duran.
Injury Report
For Los Angeles, Will Smith (hairline fracture, right hand) remains in the lineup, and Tommy Edman continues to play through an ankle issue that landed him on the injured list twice earlier this season. Miguel Rojas (hamstring) is available off the bench.
The Phillies continue to miss ace Zack Wheeler, who underwent thoracic outlet surgery on Sept. 23 and is out for the rest of the postseason. Harrison Bader is limited to pinch-hit duties as he rehabs a groin injury.
Who’s Hot, Who’s Not
Dodgers: Teoscar Hernández is red-hot, batting .412 (7-for-17) with three home runs and nine RBIs this postseason. Kiké Hernández has rediscovered his October magic, driving in six runs in five games.
Phillies: The trio of Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper has combined to go just 2-for-21 in the series — a brutal slump for Philadelphia’s core. If they don’t turn it around immediately, their season could end on Wednesday night.
History and Context
This is the sixth postseason meeting between the Phillies and Dodgers — all previous five came in the NLCS. Los Angeles won in 1977 and 1978, while Philadelphia took the upper hand in 1983, 2008, and 2009.
The Dodgers are chasing history of their own: no team has repeated as World Series champions since the Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000. A sweep tonight would move L.A. one step closer to ending that drought.
The Bottom Line
Game 3 sets the stage for contrasting storylines — the Dodgers aiming to prove their dynasty credentials, and the Phillies desperately clinging to theirs.
One more Dodger victory, and the defending champions march forward.
One more Phillies loss, and the lights go out on their 2025 campaign.
Under the bright glare of Dodger Stadium, October pressure doesn’t get much bigger than this.
