The 2025 MLB postseason kicks off with high stakes, and nowhere more so than in the National League Divisional Series where the Los Angeles Dodgers collide with the Philadelphia Phillies. It's a rematch of sorts, echoing past rivalries, but this time around, both teams enter as powerhouses fresh off dominant regular seasons. Indeed, the Dodgers clinched the top seed in the NL, while the Phillies fought their way through a gritty wild-card sweep. Fans are already buzzing, though the path ahead looks anything but straightforward.
Game 1 of the NLDS is set for Saturday, October 4, at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch at 8:08 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Dodgers' ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is expected to take the mound against Philadelphia's Aaron Nola, setting up what could be a pitcher's duel right out of the gate. Game 2 follows on Sunday, October 5, same time and network, before the series shifts to Citizens Bank Park for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7 and 8. If necessary, Game 5 wraps it up back in LA on Friday, October 10. Moreover, the ALDS bracket features the Yankees against the Guardians starting October 5, but all eyes in the NL seem fixed on this Dodgers-Phillies clash.
The full MLB playoff bracket confirms the Dodgers as the No. 1 seed hosting the winner of the wild-card series, which they handled easily against the Reds. Phillies, meanwhile, advanced past the Brewers in a tense three-game set. Tickets for these high-demand games are selling fast—Dodger Stadium seats start around $150 on secondary markets, while Philly prices hover near $200 for the later games. However, resale fees and availability could spike as the series heats up. It's worth noting the Dodgers' bullpen depth gives them an edge, yet Philadelphia's lineup, led by Bryce Harper, has a knack for dramatic comebacks that could unsettle even the most composed LA squad.
Indeed, this series promises fireworks, blending star power with strategic depth. As the games unfold, one can't help but wonder how these veteran teams will navigate the pressure of October baseball.