As the National League Division Series (NLDS) kicks off in Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Dodgers have unveiled a roster that signals both tactical intent and a nod to veteran leadership. With the series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies set for today, all eyes are on how the Dodgers have retooled their pitching staff—and what that means for the challenge posed by the Phillies’ formidable left-handed sluggers.
The Dodgers made just two changes from their Wild Card round roster, but these moves could prove pivotal. Clayton Kershaw, a franchise icon and future Hall of Famer, returns to postseason action after sitting out the Wild Card series against the Cincinnati Reds. Joining him is left-handed reliever Anthony Banda, both inserted into the bullpen at the expense of Justin Wrobleski and Edgardo Henriquez. The rationale? It’s all about matchups, and the Phillies’ lineup is stacked with dangerous left-handed bats.
Manager Dave Roberts didn’t mince words about the decision. “We just wanted Clayton. Clayton’s earned the opportunity to be on this roster. I’m going to use him accordingly,” Roberts said, highlighting both Kershaw’s track record and his value in high-leverage situations. Kershaw, who posted an impressive 11-2 record with a 3.36 ERA during the regular season, is embracing a new role out of the bullpen for what could be his final playoff run. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman praised Kershaw’s team-first attitude, noting, “He cuts off that timidness [about us moving him to relief] in a way by saying, ‘Hey, I’m here to win, whatever it takes.’”
Kershaw’s willingness to adapt is more than a feel-good story—it’s a critical piece of the Dodgers’ strategic puzzle. The Phillies’ lineup boasts left-handed powerhouses like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Bryson Stott. In response, the Dodgers now have five left-handed relievers: Kershaw, Banda, Jack Dreyer, Tanner Scott, and Alex Vesia. This lefty-heavy bullpen is designed to neutralize Philadelphia’s top threats and force Phillies manager Rob Thomson into tough decisions, possibly prompting early pinch-hitting moves that could thin the bench and create favorable matchups for Los Angeles later in games.
Of course, this chess match isn’t without risk. Schwarber, in particular, has a reputation for feasting on left-handed pitching—he’s hit more home runs off lefties than any other left-handed hitter in Major League Baseball history. Yet, the Dodgers are betting that a diverse mix of southpaws can keep the Phillies’ bats in check, or at least limit the damage. “Their lefties are their best hitters, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber being the two superstars in the Phillies lineup,” noted Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. “Getting the advantage over Schwarber, and especially Harper, is key.”
Beyond the bullpen, the Dodgers’ roster for the NLDS is brimming with familiar faces and a few notable storylines. Will Smith, the team’s primary catcher, remains active despite suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand on September 9. While Smith hasn’t played since the injury, Roberts confirmed he would be available off the bench, offering a valuable bat and veteran presence as he inches closer to full health. “We’re trying to be smart about it. It’s a long month, but also there’s some urgency to win now, obviously. So just trying to kind of weigh both of those and go from there,” Smith explained, emphasizing the delicate balance between caution and the drive to contribute.
The Dodgers’ 26-man roster features three catchers—Ben Rortvedt, Dalton Rushing, and Smith—ensuring depth behind the plate. The infield is anchored by stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Miguel Rojas, while the outfield includes Alex Call, Justin Dean, Teoscar Hernandez, and Andy Pages. Utility options such as Tommy Edman, Enrique Hernandez, and Hyeseong Kim give Roberts flexibility to mix and match based on matchups, especially as the Phillies roll out a trio of left-handed starting pitchers to open the series.
Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way sensation, is set to make his first postseason pitching appearance for Los Angeles in Game 1. Ohtani, who recently dazzled with five no-hit innings against the Phillies, will face off against Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sanchez. The Phillies’ rotation is expected to feature Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo in subsequent games, meaning the Dodgers will see a steady diet of left-handed pitching and may respond with right-handed-heavy lineups, as evidenced by Max Muncy’s move to the bench for Game 1 and Alex Call’s inclusion in the outfield.
Philadelphia’s lineup is no less star-studded. Harper and Schwarber are joined by Brandon Marsh, Bryson Stott, and Max Kepler from the left side, with right-handed threats like Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, and J.T. Realmuto providing balance. The Phillies’ pitching staff is similarly loaded, with six southpaws and a deep bullpen that includes both power arms and situational specialists. The Phillies’ bench, bolstered by multi-position players Otto Kemp and Weston Wilson, offers manager Thomson options for late-game maneuvering.
This series is more than just a clash of star power—it’s a battle of wits between two front offices and two managers unafraid to make bold moves. The Dodgers’ decision to prioritize left-handed pitching is a direct response to the Phillies’ roster construction, and the outcome of this chess match could tilt the balance of the series. If the Dodgers’ lefties can keep Harper and Schwarber in check, Los Angeles may well find themselves with the upper hand. But if Philadelphia’s sluggers continue to punish southpaws, Roberts and his staff may have to pivot quickly.
For Kershaw, the stakes are personal as well as professional. At 37, with whispers of retirement growing louder, this postseason could mark his final act in a storied career. Yet, his willingness to adapt and the respect he commands in the clubhouse remain undiminished. “He’s loved watching these guys compete. Obviously he’s done really well this year as well,” Friedman said. The Dodgers are counting on that experience and poise to make a difference in the pressure cooker of October baseball.
As Game 1 unfolds in Philadelphia, the Dodgers’ revamped roster and lefty-heavy bullpen will be put to the test immediately. With Ohtani on the mound and Kershaw waiting in the wings, Los Angeles is banking on a blend of star power, strategic flexibility, and veteran leadership to carry them through one of the most anticipated NLDS matchups in recent memory. The action is underway, and the chess match between these two baseball heavyweights is just beginning—fans and analysts alike will be watching every move.
