The Philadelphia Phillies are set to dive into the 2025 National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a matchup that's already buzzing with intensity just days after the Wild Card round wrapped up. As the No. 2 seed in the NL, the Phillies earned a bye and now host the defending champions starting this weekend. It's a best-of-five series, and with both teams boasting powerhouse lineups, expectations are sky-high—or perhaps overly optimistic, given the Dodgers' recent playoff pedigree.
Game 1 kicks off Saturday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. ET from Citizens Bank Park, where Phillies fans will pack the stands hoping to rattle the visitors early. Indeed, the home-field advantage could prove crucial here. Then comes Game 2 on Monday, October 6, also at 7:00 p.m. ET in Philly, keeping the pressure on the Dodgers before the series shifts west. If needed, Games 3 and 4 head to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 9, both slated for 8:00 p.m. ET starts. A potential Game 5 would wrap things up back in Philadelphia on Sunday, October 12, at the same evening slot.
Key dates to mark: October 4 for the opener, with the series possibly extending through mid-October if it goes the distance. The Phillies, fresh off a strong regular season, rely on starters like Zack Wheeler to set the tone, while the Dodgers counter with their deep rotation including Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But injuries and fatigue from the long haul could tilt things unexpectedly. Moreover, this rematch of past playoff foes adds a layer of rivalry that's hard to ignore.
Television coverage will air on ESPN and FOX Sports, making it accessible for viewers nationwide. However, ticket prices have surged, leaving some fans priced out of the excitement. The broader MLB playoff bracket sees other intriguing series, like the Brewers versus Cubs, but all eyes in Philly are on this Dodgers showdown. As the first pitch approaches, one can't help but wonder if the Phillies can finally break through in October.