Dodgers Shift Strategy as Scherzer Returns for Game 3 Showdown

UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series on October 15, 2025, with Max Scherzer on the mound for Toronto—an ironic twist considering his tumultuous exit from the Dodgers just four years ago. This pivotal matchup highlights the Dodgers’ evolved pitching strategy as they seek to capture the championship.

In a stark contrast to past postseason challenges, the Dodgers have adopted a straightforward approach: deploying a top-tier starting pitcher for every game. This shift comes after a season rife with complications, including four bullpen games in the 2024 postseason. “There would be a parade,” said Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior, emphasizing the ease of their current strategy.

The Dodgers boast an impressive 10-2 postseason record, relying on a rotation featuring Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani—each a formidable presence on the mound. “Clearly, they’re all really good pitchers,” Prior remarked. The team’s ability to win every game where their starting pitcher reaches the sixth inning underscores the effectiveness of their new strategy.

“We have four starters now that are pitching their best. We’re just riding those guys,” said catcher Will Smith.

This season, the Dodgers have moved away from the overthinking that plagued them in previous years, particularly during the 2021 postseason when unconventional tactics led to disappointing outcomes. Back then, the team mismanaged pitchers, including using Scherzer as a closer in a critical game, resulting in his inability to pitch in a subsequent elimination game.

Now, with Scherzer returning to Dodger Stadium, the spotlight is on whether the Dodgers can secure six or seven innings from Glasnow on Monday night. Achieving that milestone could propel the team closer to their ultimate goal: a World Series championship. As the postseason unfolds, the focus remains on the Dodgers’ streamlined approach and its potential to bring home the title.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this game will play out, especially with Scherzer aiming to prove his prowess against his former team. The emotional stakes are high, as the Dodgers look to avoid past pitfalls and embrace the power of a solid starting rotation.

As the World Series intensifies, all eyes will be on Dodger Stadium. Will the Dodgers’ strategy pay off, or will the ghosts of seasons past haunt them once more? Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as this critical game unfolds.