The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated the 2025 postseason, losing just one game on their way to the World Series. However, before Game 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays, concerns arise about the team’s rhythm and the pressure of maintaining favoritism
With a stellar rotation and an ignited offense, the Dodgers look unbeatable, but history could play against them.
A luxury rotation, but with added pressure
Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow have been dominant. Snell is 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA in 21 innings, while Glasnow has allowed just a 0.68 ERA in three appearances. Yamamoto and Ohtani also have two wins each in the NLCS. Despite these numbers, the team faces the challenge of maintaining that level against a Toronto offense led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr..
The Shohei Ohtani factor
Ohtani has been a key figure, especially after his explosive performance in NLCS Game 4, where he hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters. Although his performance had been inconsistent in the postseason, his offensive awakening makes him a serious threat to the Blue Jays. His mood and physical condition will be crucial in the development of the series.
History is not on the Dodgers’ side
Since 1969, there have been four occasions when a team that swept its championship series faced another that came after seven games. In all of those series, the team that played more games won the World Series. The Dodgers come in after sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers, while Toronto comes in after an intense series against the Seattle Mariners. This historical pattern is causing concern in the Los Angeles camp.
Are the Dodgers favorites for a reason or overconfident?
According to BetMGM, the Dodgers are favorites with a line of -210 to win the series and -150 for Game 1. Analysts such as Sean Casey believe that the favoritism is justified by the level of their rotation and the offensive awakening of Ohtani. However, the team will have to prove that it can keep up the pace and overcome the pressure of being the absolute favorite.
Toronto, a hot rival
The Blue Jays do not come as victims. With Guerrero Jr. in a state of grace and an offense that has responded at key moments, Toronto represents a real threat. Game 3 will be crucial to determine whether the Dodgers can sustain their dominance or whether history will repeat itself.
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