UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series on October 15, 2025, with a revamped pitching strategy that has fans buzzing. The starting pitcher for the Blue Jays will be none other than Max Scherzer, a name that stirs memories from the Dodgers’ turbulent postseason just four years ago.
The Dodgers are entering this pivotal game with a 10-2 postseason record, a stark contrast to their struggles in 2021. Back then, their unconventional pitching tactics led to an early elimination. Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez criticized the team’s analytics department for mismanaging their elite rotation. “They need to figure out a way to let starters be who they really are,” Martinez stated.
Now, the Dodgers are sticking to a more straightforward approach: a top-flight starter for each game. This strategy has proven effective, and fans are eager to see if it holds up in the high-stakes atmosphere of the World Series. In every game where their starting pitcher has recorded an out in the sixth inning, the Dodgers have emerged victorious.
With a rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers are confident. Pitching coach Mark Prior emphasized, “I don’t think this is any master plan.” Instead, he noted, “We have four starters now that are pitching their best.”
The Dodgers’ current approach starkly contrasts their 2021 postseason strategy, where they relied on an opener and unconventional roles for their pitchers. That year, they lost to the San Francisco Giants in a winner-take-all game, a decision that still weighs heavily on the players and fans alike. Scherzer, who struggled with arm issues during that series, stated, “Guys, when they lie, they go out there and they take on too much, then they blow out.”
As the Dodgers prepare for Game 3, all eyes are on Tyler Glasnow. If he can deliver six or seven solid innings, the Dodgers will be well on their way to securing a coveted championship title.
With the stakes higher than ever, the Dodgers are ready to enjoy a more straightforward playoff experience. The team’s success hinges on their ability to trust their starters and avoid the pitfalls of overthinking strategy. Fans are hopeful that this new approach will lead to celebration in Los Angeles.
Stay tuned for updates as the Dodgers take the field tonight, aiming for a crucial victory in their quest for the World Series title.