Baseball fans, brace yourselves for a thrilling NLDS showdown! While Sunday’s unexpected off-day might’ve left some craving more action, today’s matchups promise fireworks that’ll make the wait worthwhile. Here’s the lowdown on what’s at stake for each team, along with a few curveballs that could shift the momentum.
NLDS Game 2: Dodgers at Phillies (LAD leads 1-0)
6:08 p.m. ET, TBS
Starting Pitchers: Blake Snell (LAD) vs. Jesús Luzardo (PHI)
Dodgers: The Will Smith Conundrum
Here’s the part most people miss: Will Smith’s surprise appearance in Game 1—catching five innings off the bench—had fans buzzing. Was it a sign he’s ready to reclaim his starting role? Not so fast. Despite hopes that rest would heal him, Smith was benched again for Game 2, with Ben Rortvedt behind the plate. But here’s where it gets controversial: With Shohei Ohtani locked in as the DH (thanks to his no-fielding clause), Smith’s bat—arguably the Dodgers’ second-best—is sidelined unless he’s catching. Against a lefty like Luzardo, that’s a huge miss. Still, don’t count him out—Smith could deliver a clutch at-bat off the bench. Question for you: Is the Dodgers’ lineup stronger with Smith catching, even if it means risking his health?
Phillies: Cracking Snell’s Code
Remember when the Phillies roughed up Ohtani in Game 1? That was the highlight of their night—until their bullpen blew it. Now, they face Blake Snell, who’s allowed just three runs in his last 26 innings. But here’s the kicker: Snell’s the only Dodgers starter going deep into games, meaning the Phillies might dodge LA’s weaker relievers. Without Harrison Bader (groin injury) and his .70-point higher OPS against lefties, Philly’s lineup is even more lefty-heavy. Even if they take a lead, can their bullpen hold it? And is Snell’s dominance too much to overcome?
NLDS Game 2: Cubs at Brewers (MIL leads 1-0)
9:08 p.m. ET, TBS
Starting Pitchers: Shota Imanaga (CHC) vs. Aaron Ashby (MIL)
Brewers: Chourio’s High-Wire Act
Jackson Chourio’s Game 1 exit after a 3-for-3 performance had everyone holding their breath. While the 21-year-old phenom insists he’s fine, manager Pat Murphy called it “real scary.” Here’s the twist: Chourio’s back in the lineup for Game 2, batting leadoff. His talent is undeniable—a 1.000 OPS before his August injury—but the risk of re-injury looms. Is Milwaukee gambling too much on his potential? Or is this the spark they need to keep their streak alive?
Cubs: Seizing the Extra Day
The Cubs’ Wild Card grind left them scrambling in Game 1, forcing Matthew Boyd to start on short rest—a move that backfired. But here’s the silver lining: The extra off-day lets Shota Imanaga start fresh, with no opener needed. Kyle Tucker gets more recovery time, and the team catches its breath. The Brewers are streaky—dominant one day, vulnerable the next. Can the Cubs exploit this and flip the series narrative?
Final Thought: Both matchups hinge on health, strategy, and bullpen trust. Which team will rise to the occasion? And which controversial decision will haunt them? Let’s debate in the comments!
