Renee: Elly De La Cruz just turned a home run into a statement, and suddenly the NL West isn't decided yet. The Cincinnati Reds stole Game Three last night with a 6-2 victory, knocking Blake Snell out after one inning and putting the brakes on Los Angeles' division title hopes... at least for tonight.
Joel: It was a brutal exit for Snell, leaving the Dodgers trailing early and forcing the bullpen to work overtime against a team that is fighting for its playoff life. But we are live here on the Beatline Podcast Network, and we are right back to get you fully prepped for Game Four.
Renee: I’m Renee, and I am joined by my favorite baseball analyst, Joel. We have got a massive series finale to break down. Today, we are looking at the pitching matchup that could decide everything, we are talking about who is actually in the lineup given the injuries, and we are giving you our final bold prediction for this series.
Joel: Right. The Dodgers sit at 92-60, still first in the NL West, but they cannot afford to lose today. If they drop this one, the Reds keep their own dreams alive. It is winner-take-all energy in Cincinnati, and the pressure is squarely on the Dodgers' shoulders.
Renee: Let’s dive right in. Segment One: The Series and the Pitching Probables. We know how yesterday went. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was dominant, allowing only one hit through seven innings in a 4-0 win. But today? Who is on the mound for LA?
Joel: Well, remember our preview from Tuesday? We talked about Tyler Glasnow being the anchor of this rotation. Given that Yamamoto threw nearly 100 pitches yesterday, he is not going again. That means it falls to Glasnow or potentially Bobby Miller if the staff needs a rest day. But logically, Glasnow is the choice.
Renee: Glasnow makes sense. He has been electric all year. But what does he face today? The Reds are desperate. Elly De La Cruz is hitting for power and speed, and the Reds are trying to steal this series to keep themselves in the hunt for a wild card spot.
Joel: Exactly. And look at the context here. The Reds are 71-81, fifth in the NL Central. They are mathematically eliminated from the division race, so this is purely about momentum and pride. But Glasnow brings that high-strikeout stuff. If he can limit the contact, especially against the middle of the Reds order, he should be fine.
Renee: But remember, Snell left last night with groin tightness. That tells us something about the physical toll on this staff. Are we worried about the rotation getting stretched too thin before the postseason?
Joel: It is a valid concern. Snell exiting after one inning is always a red flag. But Glasnow has been durable. The key today is whether he can go deep enough into the game to save the bullpen. If he goes six strong, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia can handle the late innings. If he goes three, it becomes a grind.
Renee: We will see. Stick with us, because next up we are talking about who is actually playing, who is injured, and whether the Dodgers can overcome the absence of some key pieces.
Joel: So let’s talk about the roster. Last night, the Dodgers lost 6-2. Part of that was offensive struggles, but also, we have to look at the injury report. Spencer Steer and Michael Toglia are on the IL for Cincinnati, but what about LA?
Renee: For the Dodgers, Andy Pages is still out on the 10-day IL. That hurts their outfield depth. But the big question is Freddie Freeman. Remember, we predicted his return within the next few days back on Wednesday. Is he ready for today?
Joel: Based on the timeline, Freeman should be back. He missed time, but the Dodgers are smart about managing him. If he is in the lineup, he provides that stability at first base and that consistent OBP. Without him, Max Muncy might have to slide over, which changes the defensive alignment slightly.
Renee: And then there is Shohei Ohtani. We mentioned his impending return in yesterday's show. Has there been any update on whether he is available for Game Four?
Joel: Ohtani is still recovering. While his return is imminent, using him as a pinch-hitter or DH in a regular-season game where the outcome is already somewhat secured—unless they clinch—is risky. I doubt he plays today. They want him fresh for October.
Renee: That makes sense. So, without Ohtani and Pages, who carries the load? Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez have to step up.
Joel: Absolutely. Mookie is always in the mix. And look at the bullpen usage. With Snell exiting early, the relievers worked extra hard last night. Tanner Scott and Seth Halvorsen need to be ready. The Dodgers' bullpen has been solid, but fatigue is real when you are playing four games in a row against a division rival.
Renee: It is a lot of moving parts. Before we get to our final prediction, I want to take a quick moment. If these daily breakdowns are part of your morning routine or your commute, a small tip is what keeps them coming. Please consider supporting the show via the link in the episode description. Your help ensures we stay free and daily for all of you.
Joel: Thanks for that. Okay, Segment Three: Keys to the Series and Our Bold Prediction. We predicted the Dodgers would take three of four games. We took Games Two and Three. We won Game Two, but we lost Game Three. So, what happens today?
Renee: The Dodgers need to bounce back. The key is starting fast. If they fall behind early like they did last night, the Reds feed off that energy. Glasnow needs to set the tone immediately. No walking anyone. Get ahead in the count.
Joel: Agreed. And offensively, the Dodgers need to attack the Reds' remaining starters. Cincinnati’s pitching has been inconsistent all season. If Mookie and Freeman can drive in runs early, the Dodgers can control the pace. The ABS challenge system shows that umpire calls can swing things, but execution is what wins games.
Renee: So, bold prediction time. Do the Dodgers clinch the NL West tonight?
Joel: They do. I think Glasnow pitches a gem. Six innings, two runs or less. The offense wakes up, maybe gets a couple of big hits from Mookie or Teoscar. The Dodgers win 5-2 or 6-3, and they clinch the division.
Renee: I agree. The hunger is there. They don't want to let the Reds steal the narrative. A win tonight sends a message to the entire league. Dodger Nation, get ready for a celebration.
Renee: There you have it. The Dodgers are poised to close out the series, clinch the NL West, and head into the playoffs with momentum. Thanks for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network.
Joel: If you enjoyed the analysis, please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this episode with a friend who loves baseball.
Renee: Go Dodgers! See you tomorrow!