Dodgers Facing Steep Odds as NLCS Shifts to Los Angeles
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Trailing 2-0 in the series, the two-time defending champions look to their rotation and home-field advantage to stave off elimination.
The Los Angeles Dodgers return home for Game 3 of the NLCS on Wednesday evening trailing the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0. According to CBS Sports, teams falling behind 2-0 in MLB playoff history have a 16-79 record in their series.
Los Angeles will rely on a strong starting rotation to turn the tide. Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell starts Game 3, followed by Tyler Glasnow in Game 4, with Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated for Games 5 and 6 if the series extends. MLB reports that Snell, a lefty, may be a tactical advantage given Milwaukee's struggles against left-handed pitching this season.
Offensively, the Dodgers are grappling with the health of Shohei Ohtani. CBS Sports reports Ohtani has struggled with knee and biceps injuries since July and is currently 3-for-20 in the postseason. While MLB notes the team has considered benching Ohtani in favor of prospect Josue De Paula, the four-time MVP is expected to start Game 3. Other offensive concerns include catcher Will Smith, who is 1-for-23 in the postseason, and Kyle Tucker, who has been hitting eighth despite excellent at-bats, per MLB.
Despite the deficit, the Dodgers have a history of overcoming adversity. MLB notes that Los Angeles previously overcame 2-0 and 3-1 deficits against the Braves in the 2020 NLCS and won the World Series in each of 2020, 2023, and 2024. Additionally, CBS Sports highlights that Milwaukee was seven games worse on the road during the regular season, providing a potential edge for the home team.