The MLB playoffs are reaching a fever pitch, and Thursday's thrilling doubleheader could redefine the postseason landscape—will underdogs rise or will favorites crush the competition? Let's dive into the action-packed details of NLCS Game 3 and ALCS Game 4, where every pitch and swing holds the potential to spark heated debates among fans. Stick around, because this is where strategies clash and unexpected twists might just change the game forever.
We're kicking things off in the National League Championship Series, where the Milwaukee Brewers are battling fiercely to notch their first victory against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers. The series shifts to Dodger Stadium for Game 3, and with L.A. holding a commanding 2-0 lead, Milwaukee's players are under immense pressure. But here's where it gets controversial: Is the Brewers' lineup versatile enough to exploit any weaknesses in the Dodgers' defense, or are we witnessing the inevitable dominance of a powerhouse team? For baseball novices, understanding playoff series like this means recognizing how momentum can shift dramatically—think of it like a sports thriller where the underdog's comeback story often captivates more than a straightforward win.
Meanwhile, in the American League Championship Series, the Toronto Blue Jays are hungry to level the score in Game 4 after their hard-fought victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. Seattle leads 2-1, setting up a nail-biter that could go down to the wire. And this is the part most people miss: The Blue Jays' recent form hints at a resilience that might just tie the series, but Mariners fans might argue it's a fluke against a team that's been building quietly. To put this in perspective for beginners, playoff games are like high-stakes chess matches—each decision by managers and players can alter the entire championship path, much like how a single strategic move in a video game can turn the tide.
We've got you covered with comprehensive pregame insights, live updates as the games unfold, and insightful post-game recaps to dissect every key moment. For a full overview of the bracket and schedules, check out this link: Bracket (https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46409722/2025-mlb-playoffs-word-series-schedule-how-watch-postseason-bracket-standings).
Let's break down the lineups and starting pitchers for each matchup, so you can follow along and appreciate the talent on display. These rosters aren't just lists—they represent years of training, strategic scouting, and the human stories behind each player's journey to the big leagues.
First up: Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers, kicking off at 6:08 p.m. ET. Los Angeles leads the series 2-0.
Starting Pitchers: Aaron Ashby (a promising right-hander for Milwaukee, known for his strikeout ability—profile: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/41325/aaron-ashby) versus Tyler Glasnow (the Dodgers' ace lefty, whose high-velocity pitches make him a matchup nightmare—profile: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/33190/tyler-glasnow).
Brewers Lineup:
1. Jackson Chourio (right-handed, RF) – A rising star with electrifying speed: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/4917869/jackson-chourio
2. Brice Turang (left-handed, 2B) – Versatile infielder turning heads: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/41179/brice-turang
3. William Contreras (right-handed, C) – Powerful catcher with a cannon arm: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/39895/william-contreras
4. Christian Yelich (left-handed, DH) – Veteran slugger and former MVP: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/31283/christian-yelich
5. Andrew Vaughn (right-handed, 1B) – Consistent hitter with solid defense: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/42394/andrew-vaughn
6. Sal Frelick (left-handed, CF) – Young outfielder showing promise: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/4417795/sal-frelick
7. Caleb Durbin (right-handed, 3B) – Emerging talent at the hot corner: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/5007615/caleb-durbin
8. Jake Bauers (left-handed, LF) – Versatile utility player: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/35013/jake-bauers
9. Joey Ortiz (right-handed, SS) – Solid shortstop with defensive prowess: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/42958/joey-ortiz
Dodgers Lineup:
1. Shohei Ohtani (left-handed, DH) – The two-way superstar who hits and pitches: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/39832/shohei-ohtani
2. Mookie Betts (right-handed, SS) – Elite leadoff hitter and base-stealing threat: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/33039/mookie-betts
3. Will Smith (right-handed, C) – Reliable backstop with a strong bat: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/31549/will-smith
4. Freddie Freeman (left-handed, 1B) – Consistent RBI machine: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/30193/freddie-freeman
5. Tommy Edman (switch-hitter, 2B) – Speedy utility infielder: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/39907/tommy-edman
6. Teoscar Hernandez (right-handed, RF) – Power-hitting outfielder: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/33377/teoscar-hernandez
7. Max Muncy (left-handed, 3B) – Clutch performer in big spots: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/33303/max-muncy
8. Enrique Hernandez (right-handed, LF) – Veteran with playoff experience: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/31358/enrique-hernandez
9. Andy Pages (right-handed, CF) – Dynamic center fielder: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/42468/andy-pages
Now, the second game: Toronto Blue Jays at Seattle Mariners, starting at 8:33 p.m. ET. Seattle leads the series 2-1.
Starting Pitchers: Max Scherzer (Toronto's seasoned right-hander, a three-time Cy Young winner bringing veteran wisdom—profile: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/28976/max-scherzer) versus Luis Castillo (Seattle's lefty ace with pinpoint control—profile: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/35124/luis-castillo).
Blue Jays Lineup:
1. George Springer (right-handed, DH) – Explosive leadoff hitter: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/32078/george-springer
2. Nathan Lukes (left-handed, LF) – Emerging outfielder with potential: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/35682/nathan-lukes
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (right-handed, 1B) – Power-hitting phenom: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/35002/vladimir-guerrero-jr
4. Alejandro Kirk (right-handed, C) – Young catcher with offensive upside: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/42081/alejandro-kirk
5. Daulton Varsho (left-handed, CF) – Speedy center fielder: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/40963/daulton-varsho
6. Ernie Clement (right-handed, 3B) – Solid third baseman: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/41287/ernie-clement
7. Addison Barger (left-handed, RF) – Promising right fielder: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/4997589/addison-barger
8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (right-handed, 2B) – Versatile infielder: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player//id/33572/isiah-kiner-falefa
9. Andres Gimenez (left-handed, SS) – Dynamic shortstop: https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/37729/andres-gimenez
Mariners Lineup: To be determined (TBD) – Stay tuned for updates as the day unfolds.
As we gear up for these epic matchups, it's impossible not to ponder the bigger questions: Are star players like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. changing the sport forever, or is team chemistry underrated in modern baseball? And here's a controversial take—some argue that analytics-driven lineups stifle the 'old-school' thrill of the game, prioritizing stats over raw passion. What do you think? Will the Brewers finally break through against the Dodgers, or is this a coronation for L.A.? In the ALCS, can the Blue Jays' resilience overcome Seattle's pitching edge? Drop your predictions and opinions in the comments—do you agree with these lineups, or would you swap players for a different strategy? Let's discuss!
