2025 NLDS Schedule: Dodgers vs Phillies Opening Game Date, Ohtani’s Pitching Start & Key Matchups After Reds Sweep

The Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2025 NLDS after sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round. Shohei Ohtani is confirmed to start Game 1, marking his postseason pitching debut for LA.

The series begins October 7 at Dodger Stadium, with the Dodgers leveraging their rotation depth and fresh bullpen. This matchup pits the NL West champions against a red-hot Phillies team that also swept their Wild Card opponent.

2025 NLDS Schedule: Complete Dodgers vs Phillies Series Dates and Times

The 2025 National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies will officially begin on October 7 at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 5:07 PM PT. Following their dominant Wild Card sweep against the Cincinnati Reds, the Dodgers secured home-field advantage throughout the NLDS with MLB releasing this full schedule:

• Game 1: October 7 – Phillies @ Dodgers (5:07 PM PT)
• Game 2: October 8 – Phillies @ Dodgers (6:37 PM PT)
• Game 3: October 10 – Dodgers @ Phillies (Time TBD)
• Game 4 (if necessary): October 11 – Dodgers @ Phillies
• Game 5 (if necessary): October 13 – Phillies @ Dodgers

All games will be broadcast nationally on TBS, with streaming available through MLB.TV and participating TV providers. The scheduling format notably includes:

The schedule heavily favors LA strategically – that extra travel day before a potential Game 5 means Ohtani could theoretically pitch twice on normal rest if they’re willing to push him. Dave Roberts is playing 4D chess while Philadelphia’s manager is still on checkers.

Shohei Ohtani Starting NLDS Game 1: Dodgers’ Bold Pitching Strategy

In a move that shocked baseball analysts, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for Game 1 against Philadelphia. This marks:

• Ohtani’s first postseason pitching appearance since 2022
• A deviation from his regular season schedule of starting every 6th day
• Potential for two starts if series goes five games

The Dodgers’ complete NLDS rotation projects as:

Ohtani’s last three pitching performances entering the postseason:

Starting Ohtani Game 1 is either genius or madness – there’s no in-between. But consider his September numbers against playoff teams: 0.89 ERA with 41 Ks in 30.1 IP. I’d give him the ball too if I wanted to instantly suck the air out of Philadelphia’s dugout.

Why Ohtani Over Yamamoto For The Opener?

Advanced metrics reveal LA’s calculated gamble:

• Phillies’ lineup hits .207 against cutters (Ohtani’s primary pitch)
• Yamamoto’s splitter less effective vs Philadelphia’s lefty-heavy order
• Emotional boost from Ohtani starting could energize Dodger Stadium

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Historic Run Entering NLDS

The Dodgers’ $325 million offseason acquisition enters the postseason riding a 22-inning scoreless streak, with these jaw-dropping second-half statistics:

• 1.98 ERA since All-Star break (3rd in MLB)
• 0.87 WHIP (1st among qualified starters)
• Opponents hitting .182 against his splitter

Yamamoto’s dominance extends to Citizens Bank Park:

People forget Yamamoto pitched in bigger pressure cookers than Philadelphia – the Japanese postseason makes MLB playoffs look like a picnic. His August 3 start against the Phillies (7IP, 11K) showed he’s built for these bright lights.

Bullpen Advantage From Reds Sweep

By eliminating Cincinnati in two games, LA’s relievers enter theoretically fresh:

Phillies’ Counterpunches: Ranger Suárez and Bryce Harper

Philadelphia isn’t coming into this NLDS unprepared – their roster contains multiple Dodgers killers:

• Ranger Suárez: 2.44 ERA at home, .198 BAA vs current Dodgers
• Bryce Harper: 1.103 OPS in last 3 postseasons
• Trea Turner: .325 career BA vs former team

Suárez particularly looms large:

Everyone’s sleeping on Suárez starting Game 3 – day games at Citizens Bank Park in October create brutal shadows for hitters. That curveball coming from sunlight into darkness? Basically unfair for LA’s lefties like Freeman and Ohtani.

How To Watch Every NLDS Game: Broadcast Details

For fans planning their viewing schedules:

International Viewing Options

The global nature of this matchup creates unique broadcasts:

• Japan: DAZN with Orix Buffaloes commentary
• Korea: SPOTV with Kim Ha-seong analysis
• Latin America: ESPN Deportes

These 5:07 PM Pacific starts are absolutely brutal for East Coast fans – imagine Phillies supporters needing to leave work early just to catch first pitch. But MLB knows Japan’s viewing audience (≈60 million potential Ohtani viewers) determines these awkward times.

NLDS Prediction: Dodgers or Phillies in How Many Games?

Breaking down the key factors:

• Starting Pitching Depth: Advantage Dodgers (Ohtani/Yamamoto/Snell)
• Bullpen: Slight edge Dodgers (3.02 ERA vs 3.34)
• Postseason Experience: Heavy Phillies advantage

Critical matchup to watch:

Dodgers in 4. LA’s pitching will neutralize Philadelphia’s power bats once they escape their homer-friendly park. Yamamoto dominates Game 2, Snell outduels Suárez in Game 3, and Ohtani returns on short rest to close it in Game 4 with Harper representing the tying run.