Get ready for a showdown that could shift the entire series! The Dodgers and Phillies are back at it in NLDS Game 2, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For the Dodgers, a win tonight means a commanding 2-0 lead before the series heads to Los Angeles. But the Phillies? They’re fighting to even the score before that long cross-country flight. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Phillies bounce back after a tough Game 1, or will the Dodgers continue their dominance? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
NLDS Game 2, presented by Booking.com, kicks off at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. If you’re outside the U.S., you can catch the action on MLB.TV (with a Pay TV provider) or through international broadcasts—though Canadian fans will need to tune into Sportsnet for English coverage or TVA Sports and RDS for French. And this is the part most people miss: The extra off-day on Sunday gave both teams a breather, allowing them to strategize their bullpen usage for tonight’s game. Speaking of which, Harrison Bader’s groin injury is still a question mark for the Phillies. While imaging showed no major tear, his availability for Game 2 remains uncertain.
Starting Pitchers:
Blake Snell takes the mound for the Dodgers, fresh off a stellar postseason debut where he tossed seven innings of two-run ball against the Reds. Snell’s playoff track record is impressive (5-3, 3.23 ERA in 13 outings), and he’s been particularly sharp in the second half of the season. Remember his last outing against the Phillies? He struck out a season-high 12 batters in seven scoreless innings. But here’s the twist: Snell missed four months this season due to a shoulder injury, so how will he hold up under postseason pressure?
Opposing him is the Phillies’ Jesús Luzardo, who exceeded expectations in his debut season with the team. Luzardo led the Phillies with 216 strikeouts, but his season wasn’t without drama. After a Cy Young-worthy start (5-0, 1.95 ERA in his first 10 starts), he had arguably the worst two-start stretch in MLB history, giving up 20 runs in just 5 2/3 innings. However, outside of that blip, his 3.03 ERA is nothing to scoff at. The question is: Can Luzardo regain his early-season form when it matters most?
Potential Starting Lineups:
The Dodgers’ lineup is likely to mirror Game 1, with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, and Freddie Freeman leading the charge. Miguel Rojas could get the nod at third base, and Will Smith might return to the starting lineup depending on his recovery from Game 1. Here’s how it could shake out:
1. Shohei Ohtani (DH)
2. Mookie Betts (SS)
3. Teoscar Hernández (RF)
4. Freddie Freeman (1B)
5. Tommy Edman (2B)
6. Kiké Hernández (LF)
7. Miguel Rojas (3B)
8. Andy Pages (CF)
9. Ben Rortvedt (C)
For the Phillies, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Alec Bohm are locks in the top four. Manager Rob Thomson might stack the lineup with right-handed hitters against Snell, but that depends on Bader’s availability. If Bader sits, Brandon Marsh could get a rare start against a lefty. Here’s their projected lineup:
1. Trea Turner (SS)
2. Kyle Schwarber (DH)
3. Bryce Harper (1B)
4. Alec Bohm (3B)
5. J.T. Realmuto (C)
6. Nick Castellanos (RF)
7. Edmundo Sosa (2B)
8. Brandon Marsh (CF)
9. Weston Wilson (LF)
Bullpen Breakdown:
The Dodgers’ bullpen should be well-rested after Sunday’s off-day. Tyler Glasnow, Alex Vesia, and rookie Roki Sasaki—who earned his first career save in Game 1—are all available. But here’s the debate: Will Sasaki solidify his role as the closer, or will the Dodgers lean on veterans like Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen?
For the Phillies, Jhoan Duran is the undisputed closer, but the bridge to him is less clear. Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering will likely handle high-leverage spots, but Strahm’s Game 1 performance (striking out Ohtani but giving up a decisive homer to Hernández) raises questions. David Robertson and Tanner Banks are also in the mix, and don’t forget about Aaron Nola and Walker Buehler, who could play unexpected roles.
Injuries to Watch:
Dodgers catcher Will Smith is dealing with a hairline fracture in his right hand but insists he’s ready for a full nine innings. Tommy Edman, meanwhile, is managing a lingering ankle issue. For the Phillies, Bader’s groin injury is the biggest concern, while Zack Wheeler’s absence looms large after his season-ending surgery.
Who’s Hot and Who’s Not:
Teoscar Hernández is on fire with three homers in three postseason games, and Kiké Hernández continues to be Mr. October with 38 career postseason RBIs. On the flip side, Andy Pages and Max Muncy are off to slow starts. For the Phillies, Brandon Marsh is scorching hot after a clutch hit in Game 1, but Bryce Harper is struggling, hitting just .215 in his last 25 games.
Fun Fact: This is the sixth postseason meeting between these teams, with the Phillies holding a 3-2 edge in previous NLCS matchups. Since 2022, the Phillies are a dominant 13-6 at home in the postseason.
Thought-provoking question: With Snell’s injury history and Luzardo’s inconsistency, which pitcher do you trust more in a must-win game? Let us know in the comments!
