The postseason stage is set. The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers wasted no time reminding the baseball world why they’re still the team to beat.
Fresh off a dominant Wild Card sweep over the Cincinnati Reds, the Dodgers advance to their 13th straight National League Division Series (NLDS). They’re now in position for a shot at back-to-back titles.
With all four Division Series starting October 4, fans are gearing up for marquee matchups and high drama. It’s the kind of October baseball that shapes legacies—can anyone really look away?
Dodgers Dominate in Wild Card Sweep
The Dodgers faced the Cincinnati Reds and immediately asserted their playoff pedigree. They outscored the Reds 18-9 over two games and became the only team to complete a sweep in the Wild Card round.
Their pitching looked sharp, their bats were alive, and their postseason poise showed up. That’s the combination that’s made them a perennial October powerhouse, year after year.
Chasing Historic Back-to-Back Titles
This year’s run just feels bigger. If the Dodgers can capture another World Series title, they’ll be the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.
That kind of achievement would really push them into the realm of true baseball dynasties. Not many teams can say they’ve done it.
Setting the NLDS Stage
Los Angeles now turns its focus to a blockbuster NLDS matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies, the National League’s No. 2 seed. This showdown isn’t just about skill—it’s a clash of two franchises with deep playoff histories and rosters built for high-pressure moments.
Other NLDS Matchup
While the Dodgers and Phillies go head-to-head, the No. 1 seed Milwaukee Brewers await the winner of the Cubs-Padres Wild Card series. Both potential opponents bring their own strengths, but Milwaukee’s seasoned roster and home-field advantage loom large.
American League Picture
Over in the American League, the top-seeded Toronto Blue Jays will meet either the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox. That could reignite one of baseball’s fiercest rivalries, depending on how the Wild Card series shakes out.
The Seattle Mariners, holding the No. 2 seed, will face either the Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers. The AL bracket’s got its own flavor of intrigue.
ALDS Matchups to Watch
Both AL Division Series promise compelling baseball. The Blue Jays have dominated much of the season, while the Mariners’ steady balance of pitching and hitting makes them a dangerous postseason opponent.
Broadcast Schedule and Viewing Options
Fans have plenty of ways to catch the action. The Blue Jays’ and Mariners’ series will air on Fox and FS1, so national coverage in primetime is a given.
The two National League Division Series matchups, including Dodgers vs. Phillies, will be on TBS. No shortage of eyeballs there.
Streaming Access for Every Fan
If you’d rather stream, the NLDS games will be on TBS.com, the TBS app, and HBO Max. That makes it pretty easy for fans to watch from just about anywhere.
The Division Series will run through October 11 if necessary. Then it’s straight into League Championship Series drama—no rest for the postseason faithful.
Postseason Storylines to Follow
As the Division Series gets underway, a few key narratives will keep fans hooked:
- Dodgers vs. Phillies Power Clash: Two of the NL’s most potent lineups square off, promising high-scoring affairs and big moments.
- Back-to-Back Title Pursuit: Can the Dodgers do what hasn’t been done in nearly 25 years?
- Potential AL Rivalry Renewed: Blue Jays vs. Yankees or Red Sox brings decades of rivalry to the postseason stage.
- Road Warriors: Will any lower seeds steal a series without home-field advantage?
Final Word
The 2025 Division Series isn’t just another playoff round. It’s the gateway to baseball immortality.
The Dodgers can practically taste history. For every other team, knocking off the champs is just as tempting.
October baseball brings out elite talent and high stakes. There’s coast-to-coast coverage, and the drama just keeps building.
Fans will tune in starting October 4. Every pitch and swing? They’ll matter, maybe more than ever.
The road to the World Series is wide open. The fight to the finish—well, it’s officially on.
Here is the source article for this story: What we know about the Division Series bracket and schedule in the 2025 MLB playoffs
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