The 2025 MLB postseason is underway, and all eyes are on the National League Divisional Series pitting the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies. It's a rematch of sorts, echoing past World Series intensity, but now in this best-of-five format that starts this weekend. Indeed, the Dodgers, fresh off sweeping the Wild Card round, enter as defending champions with a lineup that's been unyielding all season. The Phillies, however, counter with their own powerhouse pitching and that relentless home crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
Game 1 is set for Saturday, October 4, at Dodger Stadium, tipping off at 8:08 p.m. ET on TBS. The Dodgers hold home-field advantage thanks to their superior regular-season record, so expect the series to follow a 2-2-1 structure: Games 1 and 2 in L.A., then 3 and 4 in Philly, with a potential Game 5 back west on Wednesday, October 8. Moreover, the broadcast schedule has Turner Sports handling all NLDS action, which means fans can catch every pitch without flipping channels too much. However, ticket prices are already surging—nosebleeds in Philly are pushing $200, while premium seats in L.A. might run you over $1,000 for the opener.
Looking at the broader playoff bracket, the ALDS features the Yankees versus the Guardians starting Friday, but the NL side feels more electric right now. The Dodgers' rotation, led by that formidable trio of Kershaw, Yamamoto, and Glasnow, faces off against Philly's Wheeler and Suárez, who could turn this into a pitchers' duel. Indeed, injuries have tested both squads, yet here they are, grinding through October. Phillies fans, buoyed by their division title, see this as redemption; Dodgers supporters just want another parade.
Yet, as the first pitch approaches, one wonders if this series will redefine rivalries or simply add another chapter to baseball's unpredictable lore.